One injured as soldiers, police clash in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

One policeman was reportedly injured during a clash between soldiers and policemen at the popular Ajegunle spare parts market, Osogbo, the Osun State capital 

Spare parts dealers, traders and residents around the area scamper for safety following the minor disagreement that degenerated into a free for all between the security personnel as they engaged in exchange of for few minutes.

It was gathered that three soldiers and a police officer involved in the fracas were not in uniform.

An eyewitness said that the soldiers and the police officer in different vehicles refused to allow each other pass through the Ajekunle spare part market.

“Both of them did not want to reverse for the other to pass. The police officer identified himself while one of the three soldiers in the car still directed the policeman to reverse. His refusal led to fight between them.

“The police officer called Dugbe police station while another three military personnel emerged from nowhere to join the other soldiers,” an eye witness said.

Another source said a policeman was reportedly beaten by some soldiers to the surprise of many people that witnessed the incident.

“The matter degenerated and there was an exchange of gunshots for some minutes. We closed our shops and fled the scene to escape being shot or hit by bullet.

“But the situation became tense when some police operatives from Dugbe Police Division, located few meters away from Ajegunle spare parts market arrived at the scene and engaged the soldiers in an argument.

“The incident occurred around 5pm on Saturday. We all fled from the scene to avoid being hit by stray bullets,” the source said.

Osun Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Yemisi Opalola confirmed the clash but said the matter had been resolved.