By GBENGA ARIYIBI
ADO-EKITI—No fewer than 20 persons were injured in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday, following a violent clash between some Yoruba commercial motorcycle operators, otherwise known as Okada riders, and some of their Hausa counterparts in Atikankan area, highly populated by the Hausa.

Though conflicting reasons were adduced for the clash, the timely intervention of Police prevented the matter from degenerating.

The clash which began as early as 9am, crippled commercial activities in the capital city.

Traders of the popular Erekesan Market in-front of  Ewi’s Palace, and owners of shops in the market locked up the shops and ran for safety.

Some banks also hurriedly closed shop for the day.

Most of the injured received machete cuts and were rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit of  EKiti State Teaching Hospital for medical attention.

One of the reasons given for the clash was that a Hausa okada operator refused to pay a N50 due to their umbrella body; Okada Riders Association, ORA.

But state chairman, ORA, Mr. Ademo Martins, said trouble began after one a union official demanded for the particulars of the motorcycle from the rider.