By Ola Ajayi

Ibadan—There were different accounts as to the cause of the bloody clash between motorcyclists, Okada riders, and the police in Ibadan, Oyo state capital yesterday that reportedly claimed the life of one person.

The police confirmed that seven persons, believed to have been involved in the crisis that rocked areas like Yemetu, Beere, Dandaru, Oje and other parts of the city, have been arrested.

It was gathered that the clash occurred when policemen stormed a place believed to be a hideout for criminals and got some of them arrested, but some said the clash was because a policeman allegedly shot an okada rider, who refused to part with some money when he was stopped at Agbadagbudu area of the city.

An eyewitness said the okada riders, who felt cheated by the policeman, stormed the Yemetu Police Station where they believed the policemen came from with dangerous weapons.

“They attempted to set the police station ablaze but met stiff resistance by the armed policemen, who had surrounded their station.”

He added that the warning shots fired to scare the protesting riders away from the station made residents and traders in the area to scamper for safety.

The Caretaker Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Mr. Adebayo Adegoke, confirmed the crisis saying policemen were at the scene to maintain law and order.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed the crisis saying at least seven persons had been arrested in connection with the fracas but did not confirm death of anyone.