More casualties have been recorded in the ongoing violent clash among youths of Inalende, Abebi and Oopo areas of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the police have said.

A witness who did not want to be named said the mayhem claimed seven members of the rival gangs as well as four others as of Friday evening.

“I am confirming it that two boys were downed on Thursday, while another four were killed overnight, but as of this afternoon the death has increased to 11.

“Police and the officers of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are on ground to prevent further clashes, but those boys are still threatening to retaliate.

“I wish the police can still deploy more reinforcements to our areas to ensure that no more lives are lost,” the witness said.

The police in Ibadan confirmed the incident but said it had yet to establish the number of casualties.

“Investigations are ongoing to establish the number of casualties and circumstances that led to the incident,” police spokesman Adewale Osifeso said when contacted for comments.

“Meanwhile, additional operatives have been deployed to the scene to maintain law and order.

“You would be updated in due course, please.”

The clash started on Wednesday when a group of youths from Inalende were said to have killed two people in Oopo, allegedly with the support of their counterparts from Abebi area.

Oopo, Abebi and Inalende are neighbouring areas in the heart of Ibadan, the state capital.

Another witness, who pleaded for anonymity, told NAN that clashes among the youth in the affected areas had become rampant recently.

The witness said that the first two victims simply identified as “Transformer” and “Ishaja” were killed on Thursday. 

(NAN)