Fayemi: Shasha crisis may spread to other parts of Nigeria if not stopped

Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti, has condemned the violent clash between residents of  Shasha area in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

The crisis, which was said to have begun on Wednesday, led to the death of one person.

The properties of residents and wares of traders in the Shasha market were also destroyed.

Fayemi, in a statement by Yinka Oyebode, his chief press secretary, called on the warring traders to shun violence and embrace peace.

The governor warned that if not curtailed, the crisis could spread to different parts of the country.

He said regardless of the cause of the disagreement that led to the mayhem, a peaceful resolution of the conflict remains the best option.

“We do not need any act of violence leading to unnecessary death of citizens. Now is the time for the leadership of various ethnic nationalities, trading groups and the security agencies to halt the orgy of violence in Shasha area and work towards ensuring peace in different parts of the country,” the statement reads.

“We will enjoy enduring peace and progress through dialogue, mutual respect and understanding for one another. Violence and attendant death and destruction would only spell doom for the country.

“While commending Governor Makinde for his timely intervention in the crisis, we also express our sympathy to families of the victims as well as those who have lost properties and businesses during the crisis.”

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, has ordered the immediate closure of the market and imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the area to forestall further breakdown of peace.