OYO: IGP deploys intervention, stabilisation forces to state over ethnic crisis

THE Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, has deployed what he described as “intervention and stabilisation forces” to the pacesetter state over the reported ethnic conflicts in the state.

This police boss move was confrimed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba.

Mba noted that the move was to reclaim the public space, reinforce security and bolster public confidence in the areas affected by the recent crisis in the State.

According to Mba the deployment includes four Units of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), operatives from the Force Intelligence Bureau and an operational/surveillance Police helicopter from the Police Air-wing department.

He added that the deployed units are charged with reinforcing and stabilizing security in the State, preventing further breakdown of law and order, protecting lives and properties and ultimately enhancing public safety in the state.

DIG David Folawiyo, who is in charge of the South-West, is to coordinate the operation and rally all relevant stakeholders to achieve the squad mandate.

The deployment came on the heels of the ethnic clash which happened at Shasha market, eventually spiralled out of control and spread to the Ojoo axis of the state capital.

The clash was reportedly caused by a heated argument between a pregnant Yoruba woman and a Hausa porter over waste disposal.

The argument led to a violent clash between the Yorubas and the Hausas in the Shasha community after a cobbler named Shakirudeen Adéọlá, reportedly died from a hit by the porter while trying to broker peace between the woman and the porter.

Usman Yako, chair of the Hausa traders association at Shasha market, told Reuters by telephone at least 11 people from his ethnic group were killed in clashes at the market on Friday and Saturday.

The clash degenerated and led to the destruction of houses and shops in the community.