…Police arrest forty-six (46)
The Oyo State Police Command on Monday arrested 46 rival faction members of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) in connection with the mayhem that was perpetrated at Oke-Ado area of Ibadan in the early hours of Monday (today).
There was commotion in the area as early as 6.45am when suspected rival factions of the Congress clashed, leaving several people injured.
Eyewitness said the factions clashed over the control of the area, with several shops and offices looted. Many vehicles were also destroyed.
The eyewitness added that the rival groups engaged themselves using guns, machete and other dangerous weapons in the fight.
“Many vehicle owners driving through the area had to abandon their vehicles and ran to safety.
“The hoodlums shot into the air to scare people away. We don’t know the motive behind the fight, but we heard that they were fighting over the control of the area.
“We also heard that the fight was between New Era faction of OPC and another group loyal to Aare Gani Adams’ faction.”
Efforts to get the response of the National Public Relations Officer of Oodua Peoples’ Congress (New Era), Adeshina Akinpelu, failed as he did not answer his calls, nor did he reply to a text message.
Police sources said the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, had to shelve the Monday meeting with senior officers of the command in order to mobilise his men in response to the crisis.
Public Relations Officer of the command, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the CP also visited the scene of the fight and that peace has been restored.
He, however, did not confirm if the fight was between rival OPC groups.
He said, “Forty-six suspects have been arrested already. Normalcy has since been restored following prompt deployment of policemen to the scene.
“The CP, Abiodun Odude, personally visited the scene where he assured residents of adequate protection.
“He has directed that the CIID should commence discreet investigation into the incident.”
