TheCable

At least two persons were killed when a truck ploughed through a gathering of Muslim worshippers in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun state, on Friday.

According to Daily Trust, the incident happened while they were observing the Eid-ed-Kabir prayers.

A police officer was also reported “killed by a stray bullet in an ensuing melee shortly after the incident, throwing the entire community into confusion and mourning”.

The newspaper quoted a witness as saying the truck, which was carrying wood, had a break failure before ramming into the worshippers.

“I do not see any reason why these trucks should be allowed to operate today. Me and my family escaped this narrowly. As I speak to you three persons have died. It is very bad here this morning. The question is why should the truck be allowed to work today?” the witness reportedly said.

It added that the death of the policeman occurred when sporadic gunshots by the policemen drafted to quell looming violent protest by worshippers against the truck and its owners hit him.

Residents were also reported to have claimed that the driver of the truck, Ope Sulaiman from Oke Agbo took to his heels.

Goke Adekunbi, chairman of Ijebu Igbo west local council development council area, was said to have appealed for calm, assuring residents that necessary steps would be taken on the matter.