Angry youths, on Thursday, blocked Ikirun/Ada Road in Iragbiji to protest the death of a man, who allegedly died after eating at a child christening in the town.
Residents of the area had to close shops, schools and many business outlets as the rampaging youths, armed with machetes and broken bottles, set up bonfires at the entrance to the Aragbiji’s palace, Alabiamo and Popo junctions during the protest.
Human and vehicular movements was hampered for hours as the protesters broke several bottles on the road to make it impassable.
Many commuters plying the Ikirun/Iragbiji/Ada Road had to make detours and took alternative routes to escape being attacked by the protesters.
Residents said the deceased ate at a child christening on Tuesday and slumped afterward.
The protesters, who suspected that the deceased was poisoned, also attempted to kill the person who invited him to the party.
Residents said the man was invited to a party on Tuesday at the Alabiamo area in Iragbiji and after eating at the event, took ill and died.
“Those protesting are friends of the deceased, who felt that he was poisoned. They were armed with weapons. The protesters also blocked the roads and set up bonfires and prevented vehicular movement.” a protester said.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the unrest however, said the protesters were hoodlums from Iragbiji, who were irked with the arrest of some of their colleagues for drug related offences by the police.
Opalola stated, “On Thursday, some youths from Iragbiji assembled and started burning tyres on the road and caused gridlock.
“From our investigation, their action was due to the arrest of some of their colleagues for drug related offences. They made bonfires near the Aragbiji’s palace and Alabiamo junction.
“Our men on patrol were joined by men of Joint Task Force to chase the hoodlums away. The area is now calm.”
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