By Anamati Inyang, November 19, 2025
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has condemned the violent confrontation between military officers and traders at the technology market in Ado Ekiti, describing the incident as unacceptable and avoidable.
The clash, which occurred on Tuesday at the popular Fayose Market in the Ajilosun area, left three people with severe gunshot and bodily injuries, causing widespread panic and disrupting commercial activities. The injured victims were rushed to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital EKSUTH for emergency care.
During a visit to the hospital on Wednesday, Governor Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, expressed displeasure over the conduct that escalated into chaos, stressing the urgent need for improved military–civilian relations to prevent recurring conflicts.
He said the fracas could have been avoided if both parties had embraced restraint and reported any wrongdoing to the police rather than resorting to violence.
“Immediately the matter was brought to us, the Governor dispatched a team to assess the situation. Those taken to the hospital were checked to know how they were faring. We thank God no life was lost,” he said.
“But let me say that Governor Oyebanji was highly displeased with this kind of attack. The soldiers and traders should have tolerated one another, and if they had seen anyone going against the law, then the police should have been involved instead of taking the law into their own hands. That was unacceptable to us.”
The governor assured that a full-scale investigation would be conducted and that anyone found culpable would face the law. He emphasised the need for emotional discipline and mutual respect between civilians and uniformed personnel to maintain social order.
He sympathised with the victims, wished them a speedy recovery, and pledged that the government would take responsibility for their medical expenses.
Chief Medical Director of EKSUTH, Professor Kayode Olabanji, confirmed that the three patients were stabilising well after prompt surgical procedures.
“Though one of them had a severe case when they were brought in, we quickly swung into action by removing the bullets, suturing the wounds, and repairing damaged areas. They are now stable and out of danger,” he said.
Chairman of Fayose Market, Adeleye Adekunle, condemned the attack, stating that the crisis stemmed from a minor misunderstanding that escalated due to the alleged uncontrolled anger of a military officer. He commended the governor for acting swiftly and said the issue would be resolved through a tripartite dialogue involving the government, the military, and traders.
