Three fear dead in Ilorin over thugs clash

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

 No fewer than three persons feared killed Ilorin, the Kwara state capital yesterday, following a violent clash that broke out among suspected political thugs.

It was gathered that fifteen suspected thugs involved in the fracas sustained bullet wounds during the fracas.

Our correspondent learnt that crisis started on Friday evening, shortly after some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC),in Alore area of Ogidi ward in Ilorin-West local government area defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It was gathered that the hoodlums clashed with one another as they could not agree on sharing formula for the sum of N20,000 reportedly doled out to them thereby degenerating to bloody clash .

The fracas which started around Abayawo area spread to Alore-Ode Adana-Omoda, Ode- Alawusa, Okelele and recorded the death of one person on that day.

It was learnt that, in a reprisal that followed on Sunday , another person, simply identified as Ebba, was killed in cold blood at Ode Alawusa area.

In an attempt to avenge the death of Ebba, the hoodlums again on Monday renewed hostilities, setting on bonfires, thereby paralysing commercial and social activities in the affected areas.

Some of those who sustained bullets wounds were rushed to the headquarters of Kwara state Hunters Association, situated at Balode street, Isale banni,Ilorin for local treatment.

Soldiers and armed mobile policemen in about 20 vans were deployed to the affected areas around 10.00 a.m, to disperse the miscreants.

Before the arrival of the security personnels, some youths in the affected areas also took up arms against the rampaging hoodlums, to prevent them from invading their communities while several properties, including cars parked in front of their owners residence and those trapped in the fracas, were damaged.

The hoodlums also looted many shops, carting away goods and cash, a development which prompted some youths to rise against them.