One killed, scores injured as Ondo youths clash

A clash between youths in Ugbonla and Ugbo, oil-rich communities in Ondo State, weekend, resulted in the death of a young boy identified as Bello and the destruction of property worth millions of Naira.

No fewer than 20 others were reportedly injured during the free-for-all in Ugbo community. Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, led other top security operatives for an on-the-spot assessment of the destruction. Different versions of what led to the clash were narrated by the people in the affected communities.

A version said some interest groups in two communities clashed over N2,000, while another version had it that five boys from Ode-Ugbo, led by one Adewale, came to Ugbonla on a speedboat, for a business transaction. The clash Sources said that after the deal, they were accused by one Bello of making illegal entry and business transactions in the community.

An argument ensued and Bello was beaten up for interfering. He reportedly sustained injuries and was rushed to a hospital at Ode-Ugbo, where he later died. Youths from Ugbonla reportedly mobilised and went on rampage, destroying property in Ugbo. The house of a leader in Ugbo, Chief Otelo Mafimisebi, was destroyed because of his closeness to Adewale, who led the five boys on the business deal that turned sour.

Also said to have been destroyed by the Ugbonla youths was Prince Ogan’s house. Meanwhile, the state Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, condemned the crises and promised that all those involved will be brought to book. was accompanied by the Commissioner for Environment, Funso Esan, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Alhaji Dojumo. Other security operatives that went to inspect the level of damages with the deputy governor were the Army and Navy Commanders in Ondo State as well as the Caretaker Chairman of Ilaje council area, Aworetan Fayowole. They also visited those that were injured and the parents of the boy who was killed.  Vanguard