9 Year-Old Girl Killed As Masquerades Clash In Ife
By Sola Jacobs
The clash between two rival factions of a masquerade in Ile-Ife had led to killing of a nine years old girl, Blessing Fagbamigbe in Ita-Akogun market area of the ancient city.
According to an eye witness account, who confided in Osun Defender, Blessing was hit by bullet shot from one of the supporters of Eegun Ropo, at the grand finale of the Eegungun which is known as “Igbaja” in Ita-Akogun market.
While fielding question from the medium, Blessing grandmother, an octogenarian said on the fateful day the deceased who had just returned from summer lesson was eating inside her shop in the area, while a supporter of Eegun Ropo shot and the bullet hit her in the head, after which the shooter before he and his masquerade fled the scene.
She stated further that the mother of the deceased, Mrs. Sola Fagbamigba, her daughter had since been in a state of unconsciousness since the death of her child.
Another trader in Ita-akogun market who relayed her experience said the annual Egungun festival in Ile-ife had always been a fun affair until the last three year when there is a rivalry between two groups.
She stated further that the masquerade had always bear cane until the last three years when they started carrying arms, as it was gathered that there is rivalry between Mope group and Alaagba group in the ancient city.
The Mope group, she added was the one that fired the shot that hit the victim as they enter into the market.
A source at the ‘Division C’ police station, Aganhun confirmed the incidence and disclosed that the body of the deceased had been deposited at Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital mogue in Ile-Ife for autopsy.
It was also gathered that Eegun Ropo who is also known as “Mope” had been arrested, while his supporter who is a member of Vigilantee Group of Nigeria {VGN} whose name cannot be ascertained at the time of filing this report has evaded arrest.
The police source affirmed that others who are in connection with the rivalry that led to the killing of the girl, have been transferred to the state police command Osogbo for prosecution.
