Tension has gripped the Ojoo area of Ibadan, Oyo State, after a violent clash between Yoruba traders and Hausa scavengers reportedly claimed the lives of a commercial tricycle operator and a young boy.
The incident, which began late Tuesday night, disrupted commercial activities in the busy district as traders shut their businesses and residents fled amid reports of gunfire.
According to eyewitnesses, the crisis started around 11 p.m. when a tricycle operator attempted to withdraw money from a Point of Sale (POS) operator. A disagreement reportedly arose after the transaction failed to reflect, despite claims that the cash had already been handed over.
The rider was said to have left his tricycle key and mobile phone with the POS operator as assurance that he would return once the issue was resolved.
Moments later, a group of suspected Hausa scavengers allegedly arrived at the scene and attacked the tricycle operator, stabbing him multiple times. He reportedly died from the injuries.
The killing sparked outrage, with the violence escalating into armed confrontations on Wednesday morning.
An eyewitness, who claimed he narrowly escaped being shot, said gunmen opened fire on Yoruba traders when they arrived in the area. He also alleged that a young boy who had gone to buy noodles was struck by a stray bullet and died.
The witness further claimed that police officers present at the scene failed to intervene despite the exchange of gunfire, accusing security personnel of standing by while the violence unfolded.
As panic spread across Ojoo, one of Ibadan’s busiest commercial centres, businesses were forced to close while residents fled for safety.
In response to the unrest, the Oyo State Deputy Governor visited the area to appeal for calm and prevent further violence.
During the visit, Yoruba traders and community representatives called on the state government to relocate the Hausa scavengers from Ojoo, arguing that they no longer felt safe living alongside them.
They urged the government to take immediate action to prevent further bloodshed and restore peace in the community.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement confirming the casualties or providing details on arrests in connection with the incident.
