At least five people, including three commercial bus drivers and two passersby, are feared dead following a violent clash at Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.
The incident occurred on Monday amid a reported dispute over control of the motor park, with suspected political thugs allegedly involved in the confrontation.
A witness who escaped the scene told newsmen that the violence was linked to an ongoing struggle for control of motor parks following the recent Osun State governorship election.
According to the source, rival political groups had been competing for control of major motor parks across the state, including those in Ikire, Ile-Ife, Osogbo and Iwo.
The witness alleged that supporters of different political interests moved to take control of motor parks following the declaration of the election results.
He further alleged that the Monday violence was part of an attempt by rival groups to reclaim control of the parks.
“The one here in Ikire was brutal. I was around the scene when the attack started, and God saved me,” the source said.
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However, the witness cautioned against immediately blaming either the APC or Accord supporters for the killings, saying it was unclear which group was responsible.
“We cannot really say whether it was APC or Accord thugs that caused the killings, but what was certain was that they were political thugs,” he said.
Reports also alleged that the Divisional Police Officer in Ikire, Olatona Bamidele, visited the garage during the clash. The allegation could not be independently verified.
A video seen by SaharaReporters showed at least two bodies lying at the scene. One of the victims appeared to have sustained a gunshot wound to the head.
The identities of the victims were not immediately known.
