No fewer than six persons were hospitalized after fighting broke out between some political thugs and traders in the popular Araromi auto-spare parts market at Agodi/Gate area of Ibadan yesterday.
The two parties had clashed over attempt by the hoodlums to abort a campaign rally billed to be addressed in the sprawling market by former governor of Oyo State and Accord Party governorship candidate in next Saturday’s election, Senator Rashidi Ladoja. Trouble started when the thugs suspected to be sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) arrived the venue and began dismantling the platform erected for the AP candidate.
The hoodlums, who were said to be heavily armed with guns, cutlasses, broken bottles and charms reportedly came in a bus, registered – LG 25 AGG and suspected to belong to the PDP –controlled Ibadan North East Local Government.
No sooner had they disembarked than they began damaging the erected wooden stage, shooting sporadically while chasing some AP stalwarts at the venue awaiting their candidate away with machetes. The development forced many of the traders to hurriedly close shops for the day and fled. But,, eye witnesses said they soon mobilized and confronted the miscreants, who sources said, freely used their weapons leaving six of the hapless traders severely injured.
The wounded victims including Wasiu Labiran and one simply identified as Sina were quickly taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while the attackers reportedly escaped. Some of the traders alleged that the hoodlums were led to the venue by a local government chieftain. Meanwhile, a police Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) and patrol van loaded with anti riot policemen were drafted to restore order in the area.
Smoke from bonfires made by the traders to prevent the return of the thugs still billowed skywards at major entrances of the market, when Daily Sun visited the scene yesterday afternoon. Also, many of the shops were under lock and key
Some of the traders, who spoke with the newspaper, condemned the attack, saying it has ruined business for them for the rest of the day.
Meanwhile, Daily Sun learnt that the aborted rally has since been called off as the organizers did not get security clearance and permission. The police spokesman in the state, Mr. Tunji Ajimuda confirmed the story, disclosing that three persons had been arrested in connection with the disturbance. He, however, said only one person reported to the police that he was injured in the fracas. The police image maker said investigation into the case was on.
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