By Huldah Shado
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Wednesday condemned the violent clash between traders and military personnel at Fayose Market, Ado Ekiti, which left at least three people with gunshot wounds and several others injured.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, caused panic as traders and residents fled to safety. During a visit to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, where the injured are receiving treatment, the governor, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye pledged that those responsible would be held accountable and assured the state would cover medical expenses.
Oyebanji said, “Soldiers and traders at Fayose Market ought to have exercised restraint. If any wrongdoing was noticed, the proper authority to involve should have been the police. What happened is completely unacceptable.”
He also urged military personnel to exercise professionalism and composure to prevent such conflicts.
Fayose Market Chairman Adeleye Adekunle said the clash arose from a misunderstanding between a trader and a soldier that escalated due to the officer’s “lack of self-control.”
He confirmed that a tripartite meeting involving the government, military authorities, and traders’ representatives would resolve the matter, urging residents to remain calm.
