Ibadan – At least three people, including a child, have been killed and several others seriously injured in a violent clash between Hausa traders and Yoruba residents in the Ojoo area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The incident, which began on Tuesday night, escalated into widespread unrest involving stabbings, gunfire, and destruction of property. Residents reported that the violence continued into Wednesday, prompting fears of further reprisal attacks.
According to accounts from locals, the trouble started when a Yoruba commercial tricycle (keke) rider withdrew money from a Hausa-operated Point of Sale (POS) terminal. The transaction reportedly failed after the rider had already handed over the cash to settle a debt. The rider allegedly offered his phone and keke keys as collateral while waiting for the network issue to be resolved.
Witnesses claimed the POS operator raised an alarm, accusing the rider of fraud. This reportedly drew a mob that turned on the rider, leading to him being stabbed multiple times. He was allegedly left bleeding at a street corner before some Yoruba youths rushed him to hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
On Wednesday morning, some Yoruba youths reportedly returned to the area seeking explanations. Instead, they were allegedly met with violence and chased away. Tension escalated when an individual identified locally as “General” reportedly emerged with an AK-47 rifle. According to eyewitnesses, he initially appeared to mediate but then opened fire, with a stray bullet allegedly hitting a young child who was running an errand.
The situation quickly degenerated into open confrontation, resulting in the reported death of at least one person from the Hausa community. Authorities eventually intervened, and the man identified as “General” was arrested by soldiers. Locals claimed he is a serving police officer, though this is yet to be officially confirmed. His weapon was reportedly not seized during the arrest.
Despite the presence of two police stations and a nearby military base, the unrest spread, leading to the burning of businesses and further destruction. Many victims sustained gunshot wounds.
Some Yoruba residents have expressed fears of a possible reprisal attack, drawing comparisons to recurring ethnic violence in parts of North Central Nigeria. There are growing calls for Hausa traders in the settlement to leave the area immediately, a demand that has kept tensions high.
Oyo State security agencies have been urged to restore calm and prevent further bloodshed. The exact number of casualties is still being verified as investigations continue.
🚨 FULL GIST: Why Ojoo in Ibadan Is Trending
Ojoo, a major community in Ibadan, Oyo State, has become one of Nigeria’s top trending topics after a violent clash reportedly broke out between Yoruba and Hausa youths, leaving residents in fear and disrupting normal activities.… pic.twitter.com/X9EOSx2Z1G
— NaijaWide Media (@Naijawide01) July 8, 2026
