At least five people are feared dead following a violent clash involving suspected political thugs at Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.
The victims were reportedly made up of three commercial bus drivers and two passersby.
The confrontation reportedly occurred on Monday amid a dispute over control of the motor park, with rival political groups allegedly involved in the violence.
A witness who spoke to SaharaReporters claimed the incident was connected to an alleged struggle for control of motor parks across the state following the recent Osun governorship election.
According to the witness, tensions escalated after the Independent National Electoral Commission announced the election result, with suspected supporters of different political parties allegedly attempting to establish control over motor parks.
The source alleged that some groups believed the election outcome had altered the political balance in the state and subsequently moved to take over several motor parks.
The witness further claimed that the crisis spread beyond Ikire to other locations, including Iwo and Osogbo, as rival groups allegedly sought to regain control of motor park operations.
Speaking about the incident in Ikire, the witness described the confrontation as intense and said he narrowly escaped from the scene.
He reportedly said it was difficult to determine which political group initiated the killings, but maintained that suspected political thugs were involved.
There were also allegations that the Divisional Police Officer in Ikire, identified as Olatona Bamidele, visited the garage during the confrontation.
Reports claimed the police officer went to the area to clear the road and facilitate access, while allegations were made that suspected APC thugs led by a person identified as Ojuyobo were involved in the incident.
Videos reportedly recorded at the scene showed at least two bodies lying on the ground after the clash.
One of the victims appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound to the head, while another body was seen lying motionless nearby.
The reported death toll could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report, while the circumstances surrounding the violence and the identities of those responsible remained unclear.
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