News

Pandemonium in Iwo: One feared killed, another set ablaze as rival gangs clash

Published

8 years ago

July 12, 2016

Abdulrofiu Agboola

Pandemonium broke out in Iwo, Osun State, on Monday July 11, 2012 as two rival gangs clashed and engaged in violent attack of each other.

One person was feared dead, while one other was allegedly set ablaze in the clash that distrusted the peaceful atmosphere of the community for house.

CityMirrorNews learnt from eye witnesses accounts that a man simply identified as Yinka Wolex, who was said to be a leader of a gang, was shot during the clash with another group being led by one Muri Oriejo.

The clash completely paralysed economic and social activities in the ancient town, as shops and other business places were hurriedly shut by the owners.

Some residents, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to CityMirrorNews on the development, explained that leaders of both groups had earlier clashed at an undisclosed location sometimes ago.

It was learnt that Wolex was shot during the clash by Muri the leader of the rival group.

The gunshot injury said to be grievous and Wolex was reportedly taken round some hospitals in Iwo but none of the hospital could treat the injury.

It was learnt that Wolex was later taken to Oyo for treatment, but it was rumoured that he had died on Monday.

The rumoured death of the gang leader instigated a fresh crisis between the two gangs, as members of the Wolex group launched a reprisal attack on the Moodo area being controlled by Muri and his men.

An eye witness said: “A woman selling nylon at the Moodo junction where Muri usually stay was set ablaze by Wolex’s men. She was later rescued when they left and she is being treated in a hospital in Iwo at the moment.

“From what we later heard earlier today (Tuesday), Wolex did not died but his boys just hid behind his reported death to cause crisis. His fate is not clear yet. But the initial report was that he died as a result of gunshots injuries he sustained on his thighm”

Commenting on the incident, acting Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Osun Command, ASP Ajibade Egbedele, said the command is on top of the situation.

He assured that the men and officers on ground have already restored law and order, assuring that steps are being taken to ensure that lives and property of the people living in the town are adequately protected.

Egbedele however charged people of the town to move on with their normal businesses as any form of molestation from any quarter would be resisted by the police.

As at the time of filing the report, independent sources in Iwo said not less 30 people have been arrested by the police while on the trail of others said to have been involved in the crises