Ololade Adeyanju/
Police have confirmed the death of one person in the deadly shootings that followed the fire incident that razed Akesan Market in Oyo Town early this morning.
Police spokesperson in Oyo State, Olugbenga Fadeyi, also said two other persons were injured during the incident.
He however denied that the police were responsible for the shootings, blaming a ‘sister security agency’ instead.
The fire, which reportedly started around 3am, destroyed most of the market, leaving only a few shops and a filling station, according to witnesses.
Reports said there was no early response as the firefighters stationed next to the market failed to stop the fire due to non-functioning equipment.
Although, firefighters from Ogbomoso, 50 kilometres away, arrived at the scene about three hours after the fire started, residents said it had already caused massive damage.
A mob consequently attacked the local fire service station near the market and attempted set fire to some of its equipment.
Fadeyi said hoodlums tried to exploit the situation and loot goods, thus, forcing the police to mobilise to stop them.
Fadeyi claimed that operatives of ‘Operation Burst’ – a special security outfit, comprising army and civil defence – fired the shots that resulted in the death of one person and which injured two more in the ensuing melee.
“There was no single shot fired by the police personnel deployed proactively and professionally to provide security at the scene of the fire incident at Akesan market in Oyo town.
“Instead, the police personnel under the able supervision of DPO Durbar and Area Commander, Oyo Area Command prevented hoodlums and mob from attacking the Oyo State Government Fire Station in the town as well as the Durbar Police Station, Oyo from being set ablaze,” he said.
He added, “More importantly, adequate security measures were provided at the market to deter hoodlums massed at the scene of the fire incident in the early hours of the day (at about 2:30 AM) from capitalizing on the situation to loot shops and properties at the scene.
“But, at about 0700 hrs, a report was received at the Durbar Police Station by the DPO that a sister security agency has arrived at the scene of the incident to assist in the provision of security. Unfortunately, gunshots rang out from their direction skywards.
“But, unfortunately, one Warred Aderoju Akano ‘m’ aged 14 yrs was allegedly hit and died while three others namely, (i) Jimoh Idris ‘m’ age 14 yrs, (ii) Sulu Qudinai ‘m’ 20 yrs, and Wasiu Taiwo ‘m’ age 21 yrs also sustained gunshot injuries and are currently recuperating in a hospital in Oyo town.”
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