Two Feared Killed as Motor Park Takeover Sparks Violence in Osun

Author: Gist Correspondent

Two people were feared killed on Monday following a violent clash over the control of a motor park at the Naira and Kobo Junction in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.

The incident, which reportedly stemmed from an alleged attempt to take over the park, also left a newly donated Toyota Hilux patrol vehicle belonging to the Ikire Divisional Police Station vandalised during the unrest.

Videos and photographs from the scene showed one victim slumped inside a vehicle with a severe head wound, while another was seen lying face down in a pool of blood, although authorities had yet to officially confirm the fatalities as of the time of filing this report.

Eyewitnesses alleged that drivers believed to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been managing the park before another group said to be aligned with the Accord Party arrived at about 10:30 a.m. and attempted to assume control, triggering a violent confrontation.

A resident who witnessed the incident claimed that the clash involved political thugs from both sides and that the police patrol vehicle sustained extensive damage, with its windscreen shattered and tyres destroyed during the melee.

Another resident alleged that an Accord Party supporter was shot during the confrontation. According to the source, party members later reported the incident at the palace of the Akire of Ikire, accusing the Divisional Police Officer of involvement in the crisis.

However, another version of events attributed to the police claimed that members of the Accord Party had abducted the Secretary of the Palm Oil Sellers Association in Ikire and that officers were pursuing the suspected abductors when an exchange of gunfire occurred, during which a stray bullet allegedly struck one of the victims.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Osun State Police Command were unsuccessful. Calls and text messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, were not answered as of the time this report was filed.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the violence as residents call for calm and enhanced security to prevent further breakdown of law and order in the community.