Panic gripped Osogbo on Monday morning after rival gangs clashed over control of motor parks in the state capital, leaving several people feared injured.
The violence started at Old Garage and Ilesa Garage when members of two opposing groups stormed the parks. Eyewitnesses said they came armed with guns, cutlasses and other weapons in an attempt to seize revenue collection and leadership of the garages.
At Ilesa Garage, the attack turned bloody. Witnesses reported that some victims were shot while others were cut with machetes.
“Everything happened so fast. We just started hearing gunshots, and people were running. At Ilesa Garage, some boys were cut with machetes and others were on the ground,” a tricycle driver at the scene told Osun Defender. He spoke on condition of anonymity.
Traders, commuters and motorists scampered for safety as the shooting continued. Shops around both parks were hurriedly closed.
The clash created widespread fear in the area. Many residents avoided the affected garages and nearby markets, while some transporters suspended operations for hours.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement on the number of casualties.
