Two Killed, Others Injured As Egbatedo, Balogun Thugs Clash In Osogbo
A deadly clash between some thugs at Egbatedo and Balogun areas of Osogbo, Osun State capital, has left two people dead and several others injured, OSUN DEFENDER learnt.
Findings revealed that the two rivalry hoodlum groups clashed in an attempt to extort a land developer at the popular Gbaemu junction, Osogbo, where newspaper vendors assemble everyday for their business.
It was gathered that the ‘Balogun boys’ had extorted the owner of the building of a certain amount of money on Sunday, May 11 morning, while the ‘Egbatedo boys’ went to the same place and ask the developer to ‘settle them’ as a condition to continue work on the site.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the land owner told the Egbatedo boys that he had given money to the Balogun boys who came earlier, adding that he could not give out money again as that would amount to double extortion on him.
The land owner reportedly offered to release the roofing sheets which were removed from the old building to the Egbatedo boys for them to sell.
According to sources, the Egbatedo boys accepted the offer and agreed to pack the used roofing sheets before the arrival of their rival group, Balogun boys.
The Balogun boys, according to the sources, insisted that the Egbatedo boys does not have right to demand for money from the building owner or take anything because it is not part of their territory.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered the objection by Egbatedo boys generated heated argument between the rivalry group which later resulted into bloody clash among the miscreants who freely wielded dangerous weapons such as guns, daggers, cutlasses and clubs.
It was gathered that the violent clash spread to Asoje, Oja-Oba, Isale Aro, Orita CMS, Idowu Barber, Oke Woru and Oke Popo, causing panic to the residents of the area.
According to residents of the area, one of the thugs was killed at Gbaemu during the clash while a beggar was also hit by stray bullet.
However, officers of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Osun State Police Command dispersed the ravaging hoodlums and restored peace in the area.
When contacted, the Spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident on Tuesday.
She said: “Our operatives were there. They are still there presently. Men of Anti-cultism are still there, watching them.
“We are on the trail of the perpetrators. They have been running whenever they see us approaching the area but we will get all those involved in the incident.”
Ismaeel Uthman is an Editor, Media Consultant with over 14 years experience in print journalism.
A consummate writer and reporter, Uthman has received accolades for his works, especially one that appeals for good governance and community development. He is a recipient of many laurels, including the Best Investigative Reporter (Print) Award of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, in 2020.
