Seven feared dead as Okada riders clash over levy in Ogun

Violence broke out on Monday between Hausa and Yoruba commercial motorcyclists (okada riders) at Ibese, in the Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, during which seven persons were feared dead.

It was gathered that trouble started when okada riders operating at the Dangote Cement Factory junction at Ibese disagreed with union leaders over a hike in ticket fee from N600 to N800.

The crisis snowballed into an ethnic crisis between the Hausa and the Yoruba in the area.

Residents of the area told Punch correspondent that between Monday and Tuesday evening, seven persons were killed in the crisis.

The residents said over 12 motorcycles were burnt, just as the locals intercepted Dangote trucks and used them to barricade the road to stop movement in the area.

“The crisis, which started on Monday over tickets, snowballed into an ethnic clash between Yoruba and Hausa Okada riders. More than 12 motorcycles belonging to both Yoruba and Hausa were burnt.

“Two people died on Monday. Some military men were mobilised to restore sanity, but this morning (Tuesday), the clash continued.

“Another set of soldiers came on Tuesday morning to restore peace, but while moving around, there was a clash with the aggrieved indigenes. We learnt that there was shooting by the soldiers. One person died instantly, while the second person was rushed to a hospital.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident, but did not confirm the number of casualties.

He said, “They said the unions increased their ticket fee from N600 to N800 and that was how the crisis started.

“The situation has been brought under control. Our men are still there.”