The central market in Oyo town, popularly known as Akesan was on Monday morning shut down as rival gangs unleashed violence on the market and adjoining areas.
Guns, bottles, machetes and other dangerous weapons were freely used in the ‘pay back’ attack which according to residents, is the latest so far recorded as violence has become a regular occurrence between dreaded rival gangs known as Agunpopo and Ilaka.
The attack by the Agunpopo group on the Ilaka gang on Monday morning has now effectively shut down Akesan market, the usual battlefield of the two camps, traders and security officials told Premium Times.
It was said that those familiar with the immediate cause of the clash alleged that the group from Ilaka had gone to Agunpopo’s carnival on Saturday night to “cause trouble”.
Subsequently, residents have reportedly asked road users to divert from all roads leading to the market, including Apinni, Kanga, Garage and Palace roads, while traders were prevented from opening their shops on Monday.
Although the actual number of casualties could not be immediately ascertained as at press time, a witness simply identified as Rasaq said one person was killed.
Meanwhile, it was reported that the Oyo State Police Command could not be reached immediately for comments.
