Panic enveloped the Molete area of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday following a violent clash between suspected political thugs that left several persons injured.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, was said to have involved two rival groups allegedly affiliated with the Accord Party and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
According to residents, the confrontation started as a heated argument between members of the two political groups before degenerating into a full-blown fight. Eyewitnesses said dangerous weapons were freely used, causing traders and passersby to flee for safety and hurriedly shut their shops.
The clash triggered tension in the entire Molete neighbourhood, a busy commercial area of Ibadan, disrupting business activities and vehicular movement for hours.
Security operatives were immediately mobilized to the scene to restore normalcy and forestall further breakdown of law and order.
As at the time of filing this report, the exact number of persons injured could not be independently ascertained, while details regarding the identities of those involved and the immediate cause of the clash remain sketchy.
The Oyo State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The development comes amid rising political activities and realignments by political parties and their supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Further details are expected as security agencies continue investigations.
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