A reported clash between Egungun worshippers and personnel of the Nigerian military has caused tension in Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident, according to report occurred on Friday, December 27
A viral video, which captured the aftermath of the fracas, showed a military personnel lamenting an attack on a military base in Ota.
Sounds of gunshots were heard in the background, while broken glass and stones littered the premises.
The soldier in the video said, “See our base o, see how they destroy soldiers’ barracks for this Otta o.”
A top military source, speaking anonymously, confirmed the incident to The PUNCH on Sunday.
The source explained that the clash began when some yet-to-be-identified military personnel allegedly confronted a masquerade during a festival in the community.
“On December 27, some personnel reportedly attacked the Egungun worshippers during their festival. In retaliation, the masquerade worshippers attacked the Nigerian Navy School of Music in Ota with bottles, stones, and other dangerous weapons,” the source said.
The source added that naval personnel fired warning shots to disperse the mob attempting to storm the military base.
Another senior military official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that some community leaders had reached out to the naval authorities to resolve the matter amicably.
The official said, “The people thought some soldiers they had issues with were from our school and mobilized themselves to attack us. We exercised restraint, but the shots fired were to prevent the mob from forcing their way into the premises.”
The source disclosed that the military personnel who appeared in the viral video had been detained for breaching the rules of engagement.
However, the Olota of Ota Awori Kingdom, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, has returned from the United Kingdom to address the issue.
Oba Obalanlege, who spoke to journalists on Sunday, said he cut short his UK holiday to address the situation.
“I was in the UK when the incident happened. I had to cut short my holiday and return this morning. I can assure you that normalcy has returned to Ota,” the monarch said.
The Olota explained that he had visited the naval base and found that the altercation was a minor misunderstanding that had been blown out of proportion.
“The issue has been resolved amicably, and peace has returned to Ota and its environs,” he assured.
