Tension has engulfed some areas close to the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, at Odogbo Barracks in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as two persons were reportedly hit by stray bullets from a shooting range exercise within the barracks.
According to PUNCH, one of the victims identified only as Daniel is about 10 years old while the other victim is popularly known Baba Ajeri.
It was gathered that the two victims were rushed to the hospital inside the barracks where army medical personnel were said to be attending to them.
Residents narrated that the two victims were hit by bullets as the shooting continued on Friday.
The residents lamented that their buildings, especially roofs, had been damaged by a volley of bullets from the shooting range while many of them stayed indoors in order to escape the flying bullets.
Alhaji Kareem Ijeru, who is one of the leaders in the community, said that the fresh round of shooting was intense on Friday night, forcing many residents to park their vehicles outside their homes.
“They have started again. We have been going through this for years. They started again yesterday and it was very bad last night.
“Everybody stayed indoors and we all laid down flat to avoid being hit by bullets right inside our homes. The shooting continued this morning and unfortunately, two persons were hit.
“They have been rushed to the hospital in the barracks. The bullets which hit Baba Ajeri have not been removed but Daniel was lucky, I was told that the one that hit him has been extracted.
“We have staged protests, we have complained to the army on many occasions but the situation has not changed,” Ijeru said.
He said that “Some of our people have developed hypertension as a result of constant fear. But is this how we will continue to live in danger? President Muhammadu Buhari should help us.”
The Information officer at 2 Division Nigerian Army, Lt. Col Charles Ekeocha, said he was not on the ground but would call and revert back.