Blood, pandemonium as soldiers attack traders in Ogun

Panic and confusion enveloped Ijebu – Ode, Ogun State, on Friday evening two soldiers suspected to have come from Sappers Barrack, Ilese – Ijebu, attacked some traders at the Idobi market over an alleged ill treatment of their friend by a trader.

The two soldiers were said to have beaten thoroughly, those they caught and gravely stabbed two persons in the process while others sustained injuries in an ensuing stampede and commotion.

A witness told The Nation that the fight sent panic reactions in the market and other places like Folagbade road, Oba Adetona arch way which leads to the Idobi market as well as Oyingbo and Italapo areas as traders hurriedly closed their shops and fled.

The Witness said further that a friend of the soldiers had an issue with electronics dealers in the market and when the matter could not be resolved amicably, he called his soldier – friends who stormed the market with arms and began to assault people.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed to The Nation that there was a “pandemonium in Ijebu – Ode” and that two persons were stabbed by soldiers during a fight.

Abimbola added that injured persons have been taken to hospital for treatment while a man suspected to have called the soldiers’ help has also been arrested.

“There was pandemonium and the Police Area Commander and a Senior army officer have gone to scene to ascertain the true situation of things.

“A man had gone to the market to buy a Plasma TV but on getting home, the TV did not work when he tested. He was said to have returned it to the seller but the man refused to accept it.

“It was said that the man had to call his soldier – friends who came to scene and there was a fight. In the process, the soldiers stabbed two persons and that caused commotion in the place. The soldiers fled but the Police have arrested the man who invited the soldiers. Also calm has returned while the injured have been taken to the hospital,” Abimbola said.