The crisis that erupted at the popular Shasha market in the Akinyele local government area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital took a dramatic turn on Saturday.
The state governor, Seyi Makinde, ordered the immediate closure of the market and placed a curfew in the area.
The battle, which was said to be between Yoruba and Huasa traders has reportedly led to the death of at least three people.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, said the governor gave the order to forestall breakdown of law and order in the area.
The curfew imposed on Shasha and the market area is to run from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
The statement admonished residents of the affected area to go about their legitimate businesses peacefully, but warned that anyone caught perpetrating violence would face the wrath of the law.
The statement reads: “His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde has directed the immediate closure of Shasha market indefinitely following reports of a breach of peace in the area.
“The governor has also approved the imposition of curfew on Shasha. It will run from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
“Residents of the affected area are enjoined to go about their legitimate businesses within the hours stipulated by the law.
“Anyone caught disrupting the peace of the community will be made to face the wrath of the law.”
