An uneasy calm settled over Igbokoda, the administrative headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State, on Wednesday after a confrontation broke out between indigenous youths and members of the Hausa community.
The incident, which reportedly persisted for several hours, threw the town into confusion and fear, though no loss of life was recorded.
The situation was eventually brought under control following the intervention of the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Hausa Matters (South), Alhaji Isa Umaru, in collaboration with security agencies.
Conflicting accounts emerged over the cause of the unrest, with some residents claiming that scores of Hausa settlers, largely commercial motorcyclists, had occupied an uncompleted three-storey building located within the Government Reserved Area.
Their presence in the building was said to have unsettled residents, prompting youths in the community to challenge and attempt to evict them over alleged illegal occupation.
Sources disclosed that weapons, including locally made firearms and sharp objects, were discovered during the confrontation, further heightening anxiety in the area.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Maurice Oripenaiye, said the occupants had been using the structure as a makeshift residence and were accused of damaging goods belonging to traders operating nearby.
He noted that grievances raised by the affected traders led to a disagreement, which later escalated into a clash between the two groups and disrupted business activities.
Umaru, who confirmed the development, said he quickly stepped in to mediate, holding discussions with both sides and urging them to adopt peaceful means in resolving disputes.
Oripenaiye stated that calm had since been restored, adding that steps were being taken to prevent a recurrence, including plans for a broader engagement with stakeholders despite his ongoing participation at an APC gathering in Lagos.
