One Injured As Soldiers, Police Engage In Gun Duel In Osun

The popular Ajegunle Spare parts market in Osogbo, the Osun State Capital, was turned into a battleground during a clash between some uniformed soldiers and police officers.

Naija News learned that the clash which occurred on Sunday, started when some soldiers and policemen in different vehicles refused to allow each other to pass through the market.

It was gathered the show of superiority led to a clash between the two security agencies, resulting in a gun duel which lasted for more than ten minutes.

One policeman was reportedly injured during the clash, while spare parts dealers, traders and residents around the area scampered for safety.

A source who craved anonymity told This Day that the gun duel between the soldiers and the policemen created panic in the area.

The source said: “Both of them did not want to reverse for the other to pass. The police officer identified himself while one of the three soldiers in the car still directed the policeman to reverse. His refusal led to the clash.

“The police officer called Dugbe Police station while another three military personnel emanate from nowhere to join the other soldiers.”

Another source within the market said a policeman was reportedly beaten by some soldiers to the surprise of any people that witnessed the incident.

He said: “The matter degenerated and there was an exchange of gunshots for some minutes. We closed our shops and fled the scene to escape being shot.

“But the situation became tense when some police operatives from Dugbe Police Division, located a few meters away from Ajegunle spare parts market arrived at the scene and engaged the soldiers in an argument.

“The incident occurred some around 5pm yesterday. We all fled from the scene to avoid being hit by a straight bullet.”

The spokesperson for Osun Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the clash but said the matter had been resolved.

Follow Us On Google Journalistic Standards