Panic gripped residents of Ikire, the headquarters of Irewole local government area of Osun state, Monday morning, following a violent clash at the Naira and Kobo motor park that left at least five people dead and several others injured.

According to reports, the altercation broke out among rival groups, claiming the lives of commercial drivers while catching innocent commuters in the crossfire. 

While local sources offered differing accounts, some pointing to a bitter transport union leadership tussle and others suspecting political motives, the exact cause remains under investigation.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that the casualty figure could not be immediately confirmed. 

He noted that the Commissioner of Police was en route to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and promised a detailed statement once investigations conclude.

The incident has triggered sharp political accusations between the ruling and opposition parties.

At a press conference, the APC media cluster, led by Oluwafunsho Fagbohungbe, accused armed thugs allegedly aligned with the Accord of launching a calculated attack to hijack local transport hubs. 

The opposition party claimed the violence disrupted economic activities and alleged that hoodlums attacked law enforcement officers, snatched service rifles, and targeted a Divisional Police Division response team. 

The APC called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security chiefs to arrest and prosecute suspects, naming individuals such as T. Banson, Soskid, Ayewo, and Jide Jooda.

Conversely, the Chairman of the Accord, Victor Akande, fiercely denied the allegations. 

He claimed that there was no crisis at the park prior to the incident, alleging instead that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Irewole Division, Bamidele Olatona, stormed the garage and opened fire on unarmed civilians. 

Akande demanded an immediate investigation, psychological evaluation, dismissal, and criminal prosecution of the DPO.

In response to the unrest, the Osun state police command said it has deployed additional operatives to restore order in the area, urging residents to remain calm and go about their lawful duties without fear.