Yesterday, there was a reported fatality in a Yoruba-Hausa clash in Oyo State’s Ibadan South West Local Government Area, but the police have since refuted this claim, claiming that no lives were lost.
The operator of a lottery kiosk known as Baba Ijebu, Mufutau Sanni, is said to have been killed after suffering injuries while attempting to break up a fight between a Hausa and a Yoruba on MKO Abiola Way. It was reported that chaos followed the death of Sanni.
According to a witness, trouble began when a dispute erupted between a Hausa trader and his client, which prompted Sanni to step in with a goal of resolving the situation.
“Sanni’s intervention, however, did not go down well with Hausas, who are majorly commercial motorcycle operators, which made them descend heavily on him.”
The eyewitness said the attack on Sanni landed him in a nearby hospital, where an unconfirmed report said he had died.
At press time, the Police personnel and Amotekun have taken over the security at the scene of the attack.
Contacted, SP Adewale Osifeso, the Police Public Relations Officer, said: “At about 10.30 a.m on Sunday 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 (name undisclosed as of now), was escorted off the scene by police after suffering deep cuts on his body.
“The incident is closely being monitored and Police operational and tactical assets have been deployed to forestall any untoward happenings,” Osifeso said.
He further said that the victim was responding favourably to medical intervention provided for him, saying: “He is very much alive.”