Five Thugs Arrested As Hooligans Clash In Osun

There was a palpable tension at Sabo in Osogbo, capital of Osun State, southwest Nigeria on Wednesday, 11th March as some hooligans clashed and destroyed valuable properties belonging to
some northerners in the community.

Pandemonium broke out at Sabo in the wee hours of the day when the hooligans had misunderstanding where they were smoking Indian hemp, resulting into a major clash among them.
It was gathered that one of the smokers became angry when another smoker pointed torchlight at him.
The torch bearer was attacked by those loyal to the smoker that was exposed by the illumination from the torch.
The torch bearer was said to have mobilised his caucus who stormed the area in large number with dangerous weapons. Several people were said to have been injured in the melee.
Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi-Laoye Tomori instantly ordered closed down of schools in the area because of safety of students.
Thus, pupils of AUD Elementary School, Sabo-Eleran and students of St-James Middle and High Schools, Ayetoro, Sabo were asked to go back home as a result of the clash.
It took the combined efforts of policemen and officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to restore peace in the area.
As at the time of filing this report, policemen and officials of the NSCDC were still patrolling the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The Seriki Hausa at Sabo, Alhaji Lawal Gomina said that the clash was among the hooligans and regretted that properties belonging to Hausa people were destroyed.
He debunked the rumour that it was a clash between Hausa and Yoruba people in the areas.
One of the landlords at Sabo, Mr Olusola Ajala told our correspondent that Indian hemp smokers have taken over premises of schools in the area and urged the state government to take appropriate steps to secure the community from the smokers and hooligans.
Police Public Relation Officer for Osun State Police Command, DSP Folasade Odoro while confirming the incident said five suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The police spokesperson added that community leaders in the area have been told to be vigilant provide useful information to the police. The PPRO assured the residents of the area of their safety and also urged parents to monitor their wards closely.
Thugs and hoodlum violence is not unheard of in a society like Nigeria. A week ago, Naij.com reported that 5 people died in Lagos as a result of thug violence.
It would also be recalled that something of similar vein occurred at Oshodi, a bustling suburb of Lagos, southwest Nigeria, as hoodlums went on the rampage, setting vehicles and houses ablaze.
Due to the present political climate, politicians have also been victims of these type of violence. A few days ago, it was reported that Kaduna state governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero was attacked by suspected political hoodlums.