The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has said last weekend’s conflict at Shasha Market in Ibadan, Oyo state was not a tribal or ethnic conflict.
Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi who made the declaration on behalf of the Forum after an on-the-spot assessment on Tuesday said ”it was the handiwork of miscreants who set out to loot, steal and cause mayhem”.
At the on-the-spot assessment with him were Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara, Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger state.
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The NGF mandated the four governors to visit Oyo State and ”rub minds with their Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde over the conflict in which lives were lost and property destroyed.
He noted that normalcy had returned to the Shasha community as leaders there were working together to put the incident behind them.
The Kebbi Governor said “the streets of Ibadan are calm; there is no one chasing another and people are supporting one another to ensure normalcy’’.
He noted that such skirmishes were bound to happen in communities, but that “sometimes they are exploited by miscreants to loot, steal and to cause mayhem.
“At Shasha Market, we saw the destruction, but more than the destruction was the regrettable loss of lives that were caused by an unfortunate and condemnable spontaneous response to emotions.
“Everyone in the community recognised that two issues led to the crisis.
“First, there had been contention over the leadership at Shasha Market.
“Both the Seriki and Baale of Shasha are in agreement about the leadership tussle, but other interested groups were not, hence, there was an undercurrent for trouble to brew.
“What was the trigger? There was somebody pushing a wheelbarrow with tomatoes and the items fell in front of a shop. Ordinarily, that is normal in markets.
“But when emotions rose and social media posts instigating crisis became strident, we had the situation we had.
“We sympathise with those who lost their lives and property. Also, we appreciate what Gov Makinde, community leaders, security agents, youth groups, have done so far.
“We are also glad that the Seriki and Baale of Shasha are firm that everyone is free to stay and conduct his or her lawful activities.’’
“As we speak, it is certain that some people are hiding and experiencing fear about what will happen.
“So it behoves us to ensure that we communicate properly.
“This will make those living in fear to know that the NGF, President Mohammadu Buhari and security agencies are working hard to ensure that we treat things for what they are,’’ Mr Bagudu said.
