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There was palpable tension on Friday in Sabo area of Ile-Ife, Osun State, due to an alleged killing of two persons at a mining site in Aruwa village.
The two labourers, who were said to be Hausa and Yoruba, were allegedly killed during a fracas at the mining site.
According to The Nation, an eyewitness who preferred anonymity, said: “The death of that Yoruba labourer is what is presently creating tension amongst Northerners living in Sabo area of Ile-Ife because of their experience in 2017.
“Since many of those Northern labourers reside at Sabo, there is an apprehension that the Yoruba might want to revenge the death of their kinsman the way it happened then, which made those northerners to come out with weapons to defend themselves and their property.”
Sporadic gun shots were heard in the town, forcing traders and business owners to close their shopsand offices hurriedly.
A resident, however, confirmed that the gunshots were from the security operatives deployed to the area.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), Osun State Command, Mrs. Folasade Odoro have assured the public that the situation is under control.
She said: “The Commissioner of Police has deployed men to the area to douse the tension there. So, there is no reason for people to panic.”