Ile Epo Bloody Clash: 5 Suspects Arrested

CHUKA UBAH

The Police have arrested five suspects in connection with the bloody clash yesterday between Hausa traders and miscreants at Ile Epo area of Oke-Odo.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the clash caused destruction of properties in the area and many people were injured but there was no record of death.

The five suspects, arrested in connection with the clash and detained in police custody included Kabiru Mohammed, Kabiru Adamu, Bashiru Mohammed,  Saliu Madu and Yusuf Amuda.

Normalcy has been restored and patrols are ongoing in the affected areas.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana. He said that on Sunday 18th August, 2019, at about 10am, one  Alhaji Adekunle Habib of Ilepo Market reported at Oke-Ode Police Station that there was a misunderstanding between one Hausa scavenger and an Area Boy from Yoruba ethnic group.
The area boy was carrying some goods on his head and was pushed by the Hausa boy in error and the goods fell down. Arguments ensued between the two parties which led to exchange of blows. Friends of the two parties joined in solidarity fight and other miscreants took advantage of the moment to steal and loot.
DSP Elkana narrated that the warring groups blocked the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway and what started as a fight between two miscreants almost snowballed into ethnic crises if not for the timely intervention of the Police. Police teams from Oke-Odo Division were the initial responders. He said that the Command sent reinforcements from the Operations Department, Rapid Response Squads, Taskforce, Tactical Units and Police Mobile Force.  Divisions within the Area Command equally send reinforcements.
The situation was brought under control and traffic cleared. No death was recorded but four persons sustained various degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.
The Police spokesman said that normalcy has been restored and patrols are ongoing in the affected areas.  He said that the suspects will be charged to Court.