Gang War: ’11 Killed’ As OPC Attacks Youths In Ibadan

As of Friday morning, 11 persons have been slain in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after a confrontation between rival gangs in the Opoo, Inalende, and Abebi neighborhoods.

Adewale Osifeso, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, acknowledged the incident and claimed there were casualties, but he couldn’t say how many.

He said: “The story is true.

“Investigation is ongoing to establish the number of casualties and circumstances that led to the incident.

“Meanwhile, additional operatives have been deployed to the scene to maintain law and order. You would be updated in due course, please.”

Our correspondent learnt that members of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), have mobilised their members for a reprisal attack on the youths in the areas.

Six people were killed last night when the OPC stormed the area to avenge the attack on its members by the youths.

It’s gathered that four OPC members were killed while OPC had killed seven boys in Opoo area.

A neighbour of one of the victims, Qudri Alausa, who spoke with our correspondent on the phone, confirmed that the victim’s father, Baba Alausa, had given a directive that his remains should be buried in his Apete house.

He said: “Eleven people were killed. Seven Oopo youths and four OPC members.

“As I speak with you, the OPC has begun to mobilise their members to attack the Oopo youths again.

“In fact, we heard they have told police to steer clear the area. Just stay where you are. Don’t move around, please.”

Another resident, who spoke with our correspondent on the phone, said all residents cannot go out of their houses while security agencies were helpless.

“It is true. Men of operation burst are everywhere but they are helpless.

“Police cannot do anything. We need the government to mobilise soldiers to help them. We cannot go to Jumat today. The area is very tense.”