Oyebanji visits victims injured in soldiers, traders clash

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday condemned the violent clash between traders and soldiers at the Fayose Market in Ado Ekiti, which left no fewer than three persons with gunshot injuries and several others wounded.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, sparked panic in the state capital as traders and residents fled for safety.

Speaking during a visit to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, where the injured victims are receiving treatment, the governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, described the incident as unacceptable and vowed that those responsible would face the law.

Oyebanji sympathised with the victims and assured them that the state government would cover their medical bills.

He said, “Immediately the matter was brought to us, we dispatched a team to go and check the situation. Those who were taken to the hospital were also checked to see how they were faring. We thank God no life was lost.”

“But let me say that we are highly displeased with this kind of attack. The soldiers and traders at Fayose Market should have tolerated each other, and if they had seen anyone going against the law, then the police should have been involved. What happened was unacceptable to us.

“The matter that broke out between the military and civilians and the number of victims, were regrettable. This can’t be tolerated in any sane society. Ekiti under my leadership won’t allow any form of oppression of our people or disrespect for our uniformed men. There must be a balance.”

He urged military personnel to exercise restraint in dealing with civilians, stressing that professionalism and emotional control were essential to preventing avoidable clashes.

He added, “To maintain a society that will be orderly, we owe it a responsibility for all of us to respect one another and learn how to control our emotions even when we get angry at the activities of any individual or group.

“We are assuring you that this matter will be investigated thoroughly and whoever is found guilty will surely face the full weight of the law.”

The Chairman of Fayose Market, Mr Adeleye Adekunle, said the crisis, which began as a misunderstanding between a military officer and a trader, would not have escalated if not for what he described as the soldier’s “uncontrollable anger.”

He said the issue would be resolved through a tripartite meeting involving the state government, military authorities and traders.

“I want to appreciate the government for its quick involvement in this matter; if not, the situation could have got worse,” he said.

“I appeal to my people to calm down and allow the government to fully handle the matter. We have confidence that the government will do the right thing in this matter. So, nobody should take the law into their hands.”

Officials on the deputy governor’s entourage included the Special Adviser on Internal Security to the Governor, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), Special Adviser on Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, Director General, Bureau of Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso, as well as other security personnel.