There was tension on Wednesday night in Ojaba area of Ibadan as a violent clash reportedly broke out between Hausa and Yoruba groups, leaving several persons injured.
Eyewitnesses said the altercation, which started as a disagreement, quickly escalated into a full-blown fight, causing panic among traders, residents, and passersby in the busy commercial hub. Shops were hurriedly shut while many people fled the scene to avoid being caught in the violence.
It has also been confirmed that clashing groups are breaking into homes and houses in Ile-Iba, Elesinmeta and other suburbs in search of people to unleash terror on.
Although the exact cause of the clash remains unclear as of press time, sources within the area suggested that tensions had been building before the incident erupted. No official casualty figures have been confirmed, but multiple persons were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries.
As of the time of filing this report, security operatives were yet to issue an official statement, but residents are calling for urgent intervention to prevent further escalation. Similar ethnic-related clashes have occurred in Ibadan in the past, sometimes leading to injuries, loss of lives, and destruction of property.
Authorities are expected to respond swiftly to restore calm, while residents have been advised to avoid the affected area until normalcy is fully restored.
