Violence broke out on Sunday in the Sabo area of Akure, the Ondo State capital, as Yoruba engaged in a free-for-all with some members of the Hausa community, leading to many people being injured. It was gathered that the fight involved some followers of a masquerader in Akure who entered the Sabo area, where most of the Hausa resided.

According to reports, the followers of the masquerader passed through the Old Garage area of Akure where some Hausas sold groceries.

The followers were alleged to have attempted to disrupt the business of the Hausa traders which was resisted by the latter, leading to a clash. Vehicles and motorcycles were burnt, while some houses were torched.

Also, men of the state police command and the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, were reportedly deployed in the scene to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

The fight which happened in the Ima’gun and araromi areas of Akure started at around 5 pm, leading to the injury of not less than 6 people and no fewer than six motorcycles, three vehicles and at least three buildings were destroyed.

Ibrahim Idris who was an eyewitness and one of the Hausa youths confirmed that many shops were looted during the violent clash, he also said, “We were sitting here and transacting our business when some of the Yoruba boys led their Masquerades into Sabo market. And while they were all walking into the Sabo market, they began to beat and flog us with the canes in their hands.”

“As if that was not enough, many of them forced their way to our shops and looted our goods while hurling abuses on us. In fact, they entered one of the mosques and started molesting those praying and that was how the violent fight started”

Another eyewitness at the scene of the brawl recounted the event saying, “The fight started around 5 pm when the boys led the Masquerades from Ugele on Ado road into the Sabo Market in Akure. The plan was to lead the masquerades to greet one of the Akure Chiefs known as Chief Elejoka as parts of tradition inside the Sabo market.”

“But things became twisted when they entered into Sabo with the masquerades and the Hausas were moving on with their businesses without any fear. This infuriated the Yoruba boys leading the masquerades as they began to beat and flog anyone (mostly Hausa) in sight.”

“One of the Hausas was angered by the beating and decided to pull off the mask of one of the masquerades and this led to a heavy fight and violent clash”

The incident was confirmed by Femi Joseph, the state Police Public Relations Officer, who revealed that the command had begun an investigation into the matter.

According to the PPRO, he said, “We learnt that some people who were following a masquerader had issues with some members of the Hausa community. But immediately we drafted our men there, normalcy was returned. We are still looking for the people that caused the crisis. If we arrest them, we will charge them to court.”