The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has condemned Tuesday’s violent clash between some military officers and traders at the technology market in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
Oyebanji expressed displeasure over the attacks that left three
persons severely injured during the fracas that broke out between some military
personnel and traders at the tech market, popularly called Fayose Market,
located at Ajilosun Area of Ado-Ekiti.
During the incident, which was said to have caused serious
social disorder, three victims sustained severe gunshot wounds and other bodily
injuries before being taken to the hospital for intensive medical care.
He called for improved military–civilian relations to curb the menace of persistent brutality and mutual distrust between uniformed personnel and the wider society. The governor spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday during a visit to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), where the three victims injured during the brawl between some military men and traders at the market are receiving medical treatment.
Speaking during the visit, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, frowned at the attack, promising that the culprits would be brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others. He insisted that the situation that led to the exchange of blows between the military and civilians could have been avoided if the country had developed a stronger culture of healthy military–civilian relations.
The governor sympathised with the victims and wished them a quick recovery, promising to cover their medical bills to ease their distress during this critical time. According to him, “Immediately the matter was brought to us, Governor Oyebanji dispatched a team to go and check the situation. Those who were taken to the hospital were also checked to know how they were faring. We thank God no life was lost.
“But let me say that Governor Oyebanji was highly displeased with this kind of attack. The soldiers and traders at Fayose Market should have tolerated one another, and if they had seen anyone going against the law, then the police should have been involved instead of taking the law into their own hands. That was unacceptable to us.
“The matter that broke out between the military and civilians, and the number of victims, were regrettable. This cannot be tolerated in any sane society. Ekiti, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, will not allow any form of oppression of our people or disrespect for our uniformed personnel. There must be a balance.
“To maintain an orderly society, we owe it a responsibility to
respect one another and learn how to control our emotions, even when we are
angered by the actions of any individual or group.
“We are assuring you that this matter will be investigated thoroughly, and whoever is found guilty will surely face the full weight of the law.” The Chief Medical Director of EKSUTH, Professor Kayode Olabanji, disclosed that the three patients brought to the facility are gradually stabilising, after the bullets that pierced their bodies were removed and their wounds treated shortly after their arrival.
“Though one of them had a severe case when they were brought in, we quickly swung into action by removing the bullets, suturing the wounded areas, and repairing the damaged parts. “As you can see, they are in stable condition and there is no fear that any of them will die,” the CMD stated. Condemning the attack on his people, the Chairman of Fayose Market, Adeleye Adekunle, revealed that the crisis, which started as a misunderstanding between a military man and a trader, could have been resolved amicably but for the alleged uncontrollable anger of the uniformed man. Adeleye commended Governor Oyebanji for quickly intervening in the matter, saying the issue would be resolved through a tripartite roundtable discussion among the government, the military, and the traders.
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