By Wilson Adekumola
One person has been reportedly shot as National Union of Roads Transport Workers and commercial drivers clashed in the ancient city of Ikare-Akoko area of Ondo State.
Reports revealed that the indiscriminate shootings lasted for hours, causing panic in the area.
Commercial activities were reportedly halted as a result of the pandemonium as shop owners and market women scampered for safety.
According to sources, the crisis was between two warring parties in the community.
A local, while speaking with journalists said, “The crisis started when some members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, who were seen loading passengers at the spot the government had banned everyone from loading at Oloko.
“After they were challenged, the drivers obeyed and left the park. But they later came back in their numbers with those from Iyometa and start throwing stones.
“When that was going on, rain started and that made everyone to leave the scene.
“After the rain subsided, they came out again with guns and started shooting sporadically.
“One person from Okela axis was shot. He was rushed to Oke Royal hospital.
“Semiu Aliu, a hearing impaired boy was shot and rushed to the hospital.
“He resides at Iso Alagbado in Alapata street, Ikare.”
While commenting on the incident, residents cried out that security agents on ground were not enough to stop the rampage.
A committee set up by the state government to look into communal and religious issues in the town was yet to submit its report.
Confirming, Police Command Public Relations Officer, Funmi Odunlami, said only one person was shot during the crisis and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Odunlami disclosed that detectives have been deployed to the troubled town to curtail the crisis.
