What seemed like a harmless friction between a cobbler and a cart pusher in Sasha market in Ibadan, Oyo state has degenerated into an ethnic clash, leaving at least six persons dead.
The clash was triggered by the fatal stabbing of a cobbler by a cart pusher in Sasha market, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The two men had a misunderstanding on Thursday and in the process, the cart pusher, said to be an Hausa man, stabbed the cobbler, said to be a Yoruba man, with a knife.
The stabbed victim was confirmed dead in a hospital on Friday morning, leading to crisis in the community between the two ethnic groups; the Hausa’s and the Yoruba’s, with the latter group trying to avenge the death of their tribesman.
Within hours, the conflict spread beyond the market, as the Hausa and Yoruba communities in Akinyele Local Government Area, where the market is located, went after each other.
Reports have it that at least, six people died from both sides in the reprisal attacks. Various shops and houses were burnt while the market was deserted in the process.
“The reprisal attacks have led to the death of at least six people from the side of the Yorubas and the Hausas, leaving many scampering for safety.
Many have been rendered homeless. About 15 houses were razed and no one is sure whose home is next, an eye witness recounts.
Most people have deserted their homes”.