Properties worth Millions of Naira was damaged as shops and residential buildings were set ablaze during a clash between riivak groups in Idi Arere area of Ibadan
Some notorious gangs have been engaging in physical confrontations and attacks on people and properties, looting shop for some times now
It would be recalled that in 2016 major hit was carried out around that areas which led to destruction of over 20 buildings and loss of several items.
Measures by Oyo state government and security operatives in the state including setting up of Operation Burst and launching of Security Trust Fund could not stop the gang from launching attacks is yet to yield as expected.
What led to the saturday attack and the number of victims is yet to be ascertain as at the time of filling this report as no residence of the affected area was willing to talk to our reporter when he visited the site
The Oyo state police command’s Public Relations Officer Adekunle Ajisebutu was unreachable to confirm the incidents but a source who pleaded anonymity said police has wade in and some arrest have been made in connection to the development.
Yanju Adegbite Journalists and protocol officer at Olubadan palace who escaped being attacked the said “I was coming from Ogbomoso early this morning, around 4.30am when I ran into some arsonists at Idi Arere. It was one of the police officers around that told my driver to take another route to the palace.”
He said further that ” It is pathetic to see how these street urchins razed down shops and looted people’s properties.”
“And, the present administration in Oyo State would be boasting of improved security. I think it is high time we hold this government responsible for every single breakdown of law and order.
What is the essence of the so called Security Trust Fund?”
Meanwhile the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 has summoned an emergency meeting of all family heads in the areas concerned to his palace at Popoyemoja, Ibadan at 12.00 noon on Tuesday.
The Mogaji and Baale expected at the palace on Tuesday including those whose family compounds fall within Oja’gbo, Beyerunka, Labiran, Idi Arere/Asuni, Asaka, Isale Osi, Oopo Yeosa and Olorisa Oko areas of Ibadan.
Oba Adetunji gave the hint of his proposed emergency meeting with family heads of the affected areas while receiving members of the National Council of Muslim Youths, NACOMYO led by Sheikh Daud Afolabi to his palace on Sunday.
According to the first class monarch, the nefarious activities of the street urchins in some areas in Ibadan was becoming worrisome in recent times and the need to contain it through collective effort had become imperative. Oba Adetunji who sympathized with the victims of arson and looting noted that the security of lives and properties is not only the responsibility of law enforcement agents but of all and sundry.
He also reasoned that as the 2019 general elections are fast approaching, it is important for all family heads in Ibadan who notice anything strange to promptly report the matter to the police for appropriate action, particularly those who have formed the habit of tearing other candidates’ posters and banners to prevent breakdowunreachablesnd order.
