Troops of the Nigerian military on Monday restored calm in parts of Osun State following violent disturbances that disrupted commercial activities and heightened tension across the state.
The intervention came amid reports of sporadic gunfire and harassment by suspected political thugs in parts of Osogbo and other locations, raising fears of a breakdown of law and order.
Residents and traders, who spoke with journalists, commended the military for its swift response, saying the soldiers prevented the situation from deteriorating further.
A trader at the popular Igbonna Market said residents were thrown into panic when armed hoodlums invaded parts of the state capital.
“We thank the military for saving us from these thugs. They came this morning and were shooting sporadically. We thank the soldiers for restoring peace,” the market woman said.
Commercial transport operators also praised the military personnel for acting with restraint and professionalism while restoring order.
“The military men acted professionally. They stopped the lawlessness. We are grateful to these men of the Nigerian military,” a transporter at one of the motor parks said.
Eyewitnesses alleged that suspected political thugs attacked major motor parks across the state, firing gunshots and creating panic among commuters and residents.
Some residents further claimed that the attackers were accompanied by police personnel, an allegation that had not been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
The unrest reportedly disrupted business activities in several parts of the state before military personnel moved in to stabilise the situation.
As of press time, security operatives had intensified patrols in strategic locations, while normalcy gradually returned to affected areas.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Osun State Police Command on the allegations were unsuccessful, while authorities had yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the incident.
