Ibadan Crisis: Two Killed, Shops Burnt as Yoruba-Hausa Clash Erupts in Ojoo After Alleged Stabbing

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Fresh tension has engulfed the Ojoo area of Ibadan, Oyo State, after a violent clash between members of the Yoruba and Hausa communities left at least two people dead, several others injured, and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

The violence, which erupted on Tuesday night and spilled into Wednesday morning, was reportedly triggered by the fatal stabbing of a Yoruba tricycle mechanic following an argument with suspected Hausa scrap collectors over a disputed Point-of-Sale (POS) transaction.

Eyewitnesses said the disagreement quickly turned violent when the mechanic, popularly known as a Maruwa rider, was allegedly chased and stabbed multiple times. He reportedly died from his injuries before dawn.

News of the killing sparked outrage among youths in the area, leading to retaliatory attacks that spread across the busy Ojoo–Iwo Road corridor.

Residents reported hearing gunshots as rival groups clashed, while several shops and business premises were set ablaze. A young boy was also reportedly struck by a stray bullet while running an errand and later died, bringing the confirmed death toll to two.

The unrest caused widespread panic as traders hurriedly shut their businesses and residents fled to safer locations. Vehicular movement along the busy expressway was severely disrupted, leaving commuters stranded for hours.

Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes of people running for safety amid sounds resembling gunfire, while smoke billowed from burning structures. Some residents claimed many Northerners living in the area temporarily went into hiding as tensions escalated.

Security operatives, including personnel of the Oyo State joint security outfit, Operation Burst, the police, and other agencies, were deployed to the area to restore calm. Their presence helped contain the violence, although security patrols have remained in place to prevent further disturbances.

The Oyo State Government also responded swiftly, with Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal leading an official delegation to the affected community for an on-the-spot assessment.

Government officials confirmed that two people lost their lives in the incident and appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands. Authorities assured the public that those responsible for both the initial attack and the retaliatory violence would be identified and prosecuted.

Community leaders from both the Yoruba and Hausa communities have reportedly begun dialogue aimed at restoring peace and preventing further escalation.

The latest violence has revived memories of previous ethnic conflicts in Ibadan, particularly the 2021 Shasha Market crisis, which also resulted in fatalities, displacement of residents, and destruction of property.

Security agencies have urged residents to cooperate with investigators, avoid spreading unverified information on social media, and allow law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.

The Oyo State Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order, stating that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration would ensure justice is served while working with community leaders to preserve peace across the state.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged stabbing and the subsequent retaliatory attacks are ongoing.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more verified information becomes available.