Mob sets palace, 2 cars, 10 motorcycles ablaze

AN angry mob in Igbaye community of Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State Monday night went on rampage setting properties including the palace of the Oba ablaze in perceived reprisal attack following the raging crisis that led to the death of one Hamzat.

The crisis broke out  on Monday during a clash between two rival groups supporting a monarch and a prince (names withheld) battling over the community stool leading to the death of one Hamzat.

The deceased was allegedly shot dead by security operatives while trying to disperse the mob. Another victim of the fracas is said to be on admission over gunshot wounds.

Angered by the death of one of them, it was gathered that supporters of one of the claimants, went on rampage setting the monarch’s vehicle, palace and motorcycles ablaze.

A resident, Rasheed Damola told Vanguard  that the mob, mostly supporters of one of the claimants to stool wanting to avenge the death of Hamzat, saying; “The situation is best described as a carnage, with people going around setting properties ablaze randomly.'' 

The palace, two cars and many motorcycles were set on fire. It is very terrible.”

Speaking, the monarch claimed he was almost lynched but for security operatives, lamenting that no monarch deserved such treatment

He said among others, “The incident is a very terrible one; a traditional monarch does not deserve such violent and mob attacks. Unfortunately, security operatives have not made any arrest in connection with the crime.

“The incident is so unfortunate. The police are yet to arrest anybody. The hoodlums destroyed everything in the palace. They burnt 10 motorcycles; they set the entire palace ablaze including two vehicles.”

Family of 4, 3 others perish in boat mishap

A middle aged man, his two wives and eldest son  as well as three other passengers yesterday perished in a boat mishap in  Zhigiri village of  Shiroro Local Government Area, LGA, of Niger State.

Vanguard gathered that the man identified as Mallam Mu’azu Babangida, his two wives and his eldest son among others were travelling to Dnaweto for a naming ceremony.

However the identities of the other three passengers were unknown at press time.

Spokesman for Coalition of Shiroro Association, Salis Mohamed Sabo, who confirmed the incident to Vanguard’s Correspondent, said; “Prior to the construction of Zungeru Dam, traveling between these two villages was by land because there was no water. Therefore, before now, one did not need water transportation, as the terrain was majorly dry and motorable. This is one of the social upheavals occasioned by the construction of the Zungeru dam.” 

At press time, the corpses of six of the seven deceased have been recovered while local divers in the area were still searching for the remaining corpse. 

Mohammed Sabo called on the Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission,   HYPPADEC to urgently come to the assistance of the affected family and also provide safety measures including life jackets among others to help the local people from experiencing similar disaster in future.

Culled from Vanguard