Tensions flared and violence erupted on Tuesday in Awowo Village, a border community in Ogun State, following a fatal collision between a motorcycle and a cow.
PUNCH Metro learnt on Thursday that the crash claimed the life of 25-year-old rider Samuel Awe and left three passengers injured.
The death of the motorcyclist allegedly resulted in an arson attack on a Fulani settlement, causing further heightened tension in the community.
The Ogun State Police Command stated that the tension prompted their intervention, leading to the arrest of a suspect accused of setting the settlement ablaze.
The trouble began at around 8:50 PM when Awe, a Benin Republic national, was travelling from Awowo to Lafunke Village with three passengers: 15-year-old Abayomi Awe, Benjamin Daniel, and Samuel Basit. Their motorcycle allegedly collided with a cow crossing the road.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the collision caused all four riders to fall, sustaining varying degrees of injury, and Samuel Awe was rushed to Ari’s Hospital, Obada Oko, where he was later pronounced dead.
The spokesperson for the command, Omolola Odutola, revealed that the other passengers were said to have been taken to the Lord Royal Clinic and Maternity in Awowo, where they were reportedly responding to treatment.
Upon hearing of Awe’s death and the hospitalisation of the three passengers, the police said angry youths from the Awowo community attacked the Fulani settlement the following day. The command said the mob accused the herders of negligence and attacked the area by setting two huts belonging to the herders on fire.
Odutola said, “On January 8, 2025, at around 12:00 pm, reports emerged that irate youths from Awowo Village had attacked a Fulani settlement, accusing the herders of negligence that led to the accident. Two huts belonging to Fulani residents were set ablaze.
“The police, led by the Divisional Crime Officer, promptly intervened, restoring calm in the area. A suspect, Abdulaziz Master, 48, was arrested in connection with the arson.
“A peace meeting involving leaders of both the Awowo community and the Fulani settlement has been convened to address the tensions and prevent further violence. Investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available.”
The command urged both communities to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could escalate the situation, assuring the residents of their commitment to justice and public safety.
PUNCH Metro reported on August 21, 2024, that a clash between hunters and herders in the Iwoye-Ketu community, located in the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, resulted in the death of one person whose identity has not yet been confirmed.
There had been a series of kidnappings for ransom, which were suspected to involve some herders, prompting local hunters to begin routine patrols in the area to enhance security.
This situation escalated when tensions flared, with some herders allegedly attacking the hunters and killing one, leading to heightened unrest in the community.
