Five people were reportedly killed on Monday during a clash over control of the Naira and Kobo garage in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.
The clash reportedly began after an unidentified group allegedly tried to take control of the motor garage by force.
A video obtained by the Peoples Gazette showed the aftermath, including the body of an unidentified man with a gunshot wound to the head. He was found lifeless inside a gold-coloured Sienna car. Another video showed a second victim lying dead on the ground.
Oshogbo Updates, an Instagram account, reported that three commercial bus drivers and two passersby were killed. Details of the incident remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the clash. Its spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said an investigation had started.
“Presently, we’re still looking at the matter. Once we’re done with the investigation, we will refer back to you. Give us time,” Mr Ojelabi said.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance (CCSOGG) condemned the incident, saying innocent lives were lost.
“This latest bloodletting is particularly disturbing coming barely days after the conclusion of the Osun State governorship election and after repeated warnings by civil society groups and the state government about the danger of renewed violence around motor parks and local government areas,” the coalition’s secretary, Olalekan Johnson, said.
The coalition also raised allegations that people “within the security architecture, including the Ikire Divisional Police Officer” were involved in the alleged takeover.
“The coalition is deeply alarmed by allegations that the attempted takeover of the motor park was aided or facilitated by elements within the security architecture, including the Divisional Police Officer in Ikire,” Mr Johnson stated.
“We stress that these are serious allegations which must be subjected to an immediate, transparent and independent investigation. No police officer, regardless of rank or political connection, has the constitutional authority to facilitate the activities of political thugs or provide cover for criminal elements,” he said.
The coalition warned politicians, violence financiers, criminal gangs and compromised security officials against “impunity”.
“The era of using innocent citizens as expendable pawns in political battles must end. Those who sponsor violence today should understand that the law does not recognise political protection as immunity from criminal responsibility,” the coalition said.
It also demanded a prompt, independent probe into the incident.
“We equally demand the immediate investigation of the conduct of the Ikire Divisional Police Officer and every other security official alleged to have aided or compromised the operation, with appropriate disciplinary and criminal action where evidence establishes wrongdoing,” the coalition said.
