5 Feared Dead As Police, Butchers Clash In Ibadan

It was a torn in the flesh in the western part of the country yesterday as butchers in the Bodija International Market engaged in a clash with the police.

According to reports, the attack was as a result of an order issued by the Oyo State Government to the butchers to relocate to a modern abattoir in Amosun Village, in the Akinyele area of Ibadan.

“When the policemen arrived, they started shooting sporadically, which made thousands of traders scamper for safety.’’ one of the traders said.

“They wanted to force us to relocate to the new site at Moniya. The government sent some of its people to demolish our stalls and shops here.”

In the course of the fight, five persons were killed, with several others injured, along with vehicles and motorcycles parked in the station being set ablaze.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Odude, who confirmed the attack on the police station, said only two people were killed during the incident adding that calm has been restored to the troubled area.

“We need to put together exactly what happened, but what I can tell you is that this morning, there was supposed to be an arrest of people who are selling meat by the roadside,’’ Odude said.

“In the process, I think there was a confrontation, we understand that at least two people were gunned down, and there was an attack, there was an attempt to attack this police station, we quickly mobilised and we have salvaged the situation. That is exactly what happened.

“So, I can’t give you all the comprehensive information because we are still putting all the facts together.”

Meanwhile, in a way to curb the clash, the state government announced that the market has been shut down indefinitely.