Soji Ajibola, Ibadan
A man in his middle age and marketer of popular Baba Ijebu lottery game has been critically injured while trying to settle scuffle between two Hausa traders at the popular Mobil Ring Road (makeshift) market on Sunday.
The victim who’s identity could not be ascertained as at the time of filing this report was trying to settle rift between two warring traders when he was stabbed by one of them who felt cheated.
The marketer became unconscious and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Sensing the danger ahead, our correspondent gathered that the suspected assailant took to his heels but was given a hot chase by the symphatizers.
The development forced a temporary shutdown of the market while a popular suya spots within the market was set blaze.
Our correspondent saw the traders discussing in groups while some of them are apprehensive of a possible midnight reprisal attack.
The hoodlums, as reliably informed took advantage of the situation as they embarked on a looting spree.
Fruits including oranges littered the grounds as the sellers scampered for safety.
Also, the motorcyclists otherwise known as okada riders abandoned their motorcycles and took to their heels.
Our correspondent gathered that there is a high likelihood of demolition of the makeshift stalls by the authority of the Ibadan South West local government on Monday.
It was gathered that before Sunday incident, the authority of the Ibadan South West local government area had ordered the traders to vacate the place.
The place, as reliably informed, is not designated for a market, hence the directive to the traders to quit.
Meanwhile, the security vans including that of police and Western Security Network Service otherwise known as Operation Amotekun were strategically located in the area.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso said, ‘At about 1030HRS today Sunday 24/07/2022, upon the receipt of a distress call, Operatives of the Oyo State Command responded to an alleged breach of peace situation around Mobil Area Ring Road,Ibadan.
Preliminary Investigation reveals that the victim ‘m’, (name undisclosed as of now) was escorted off the scene after suffering deep cuts on his body by Police responders.
The incident is closely monitored and Police operational and tactical assets have been deployed to forestall any untoward happenings.
“The Command remains committed to tbe protection of lives and property.
“Updates regarding the ongoing investigation would be provided accordingly,please.”
