TENSION IN IBADAN OVER ALLEGED KILLING

Tension gripped the Ojoo area of Ibadan on Wednesday following a riot triggered by the killing of a tricycle mechanic, prompting the deployment of security operatives to restore order.

Although the exact circumstances surrounding the unrest remained unclear as of press time, residents alleged that the disturbance followed the death of the mechanic, who was said to have been fatally stabbed during an overnight altercation involving suspected scrap collectors.

The incident reportedly provoked angry reactions from some youths, leading to clashes and heightened tension in the community.

Some residents claimed that several people fled the area for fear of possible reprisals.

Security personnel, including operatives of Operation Burst, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, were deployed to strategic locations in and around Ojoo to prevent the violence from escalating and reassure residents.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the situation had been brought under control.

“The situation in Ojoo has been brought under control and the area is calm,” the police spokesman said.

As of the time of filing this report, normalcy had largely returned to the area, while security operatives maintained their presence to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.