Two killed, four injured as soldiers, residents clash in Ondo community

Tragedy struck Yesterday at Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State as two persons were allegedly shot dead by soldiers at the Okitipupa Army Barracks.

Also, four other persons were reportedly injured as a result of the gun shots. The deceased persons identified as Sunday Adejuwon and Yomi Akinyemi were said to have been hit by stray bullets following a clash between the Okitipupa Local Government Chairman, Hon. Niyi Gbirinsola and some resi­dents of Igbotako.

An eyewitness said crisis broke out following an attempt by the council Chairman to ar­rest some residents of the town who violated the monthly envi­ronmental sanitation order.

It was gathered that the people shunned the sanitation exercise on the grounds that the envi­ronmental exercise fell on their market day.

However, the reactions of the people were said to have provoked Hon. Gbirinsola, who allegedly invited soldiers from the Okitipupa Barracks to the community in attempt to scare the residents but in the process, two people were allegedly shot dead by stray bullets, while four others were injured.

The state Police Public Rela­tions Officer, (PPRO) Mr. Wole Ogodo, confirmed the incident but said he could not give details.

He added that the State Com­missioner of Police, Mr. Isaac Eke is on his way to the commu­nity as at press time to access the level of the pandemonium.

Meanwhile, a legal practi­tioner, Mr. Bode Famakin has condemned the action of the soldiers, warning that they must avoid being used by politicians.

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