The clash that transpired among certain persons in Ajase-Ipo in the state’s Irepodun Local Government Area last Friday would be investigated, according to AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governor of Kwara State.
According to reports, following the altercation that took place between Fulani traders and Oodua Peoples Congress members at Kaara market, Ajase-Ipo, last Friday, four unidentified corpses were found by the police.
However, Governor Abdulrazaq claimed that there had been no conflict between the residents of Ajase-Ipo and the Fulani or Bororo population in a statement released Monday night and signed by Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor’s chief press secretary.
He said that several livestock traders in Kara (Ajase-Ipo) and members of a group passing through the area from a neighboring state were both implicated in the event on Friday.
The statement said, “The governor had gone to the town on Saturday to inspect the Kara market and visited the palace of the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, where he met with different community leaders and commiserated with those affected.
“He urged citizens to avoid resorting to violence for whatever reasons.
“There is really no reason to continue to point fingers. What happened was regrettable and we sincerely commiserate with families who lost their loved ones and properties. The violence was needless. We also, in the name of God, do not need a cycle of violence; I appeal to everyone to let go and avoid further violence,” the governor said in the statement.
“Going forward, a government committee will look into how to prevent such crisis in the future, including creating a setback for markets, like Kara in Ajase-Ipo, which are so close to the highway. Again, I appeal to all persons involved to shun blame games and anything that may trigger violence.
“AbdulRazaq commended the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu and the security agencies for acting swiftly to curb escalation of the crisis”, the statement said.
