By Oludamisi Ojo,Akure.
Residents of Ikare-Akoko in Ondo state have raised the alarm over alleged excesses of masquerades, otherwise known as ‘Sheru’ in the town that could lead to lawlessness, if not checked.
The latest victim was a JSS 1 student, Nike Olasebikan who was knocked down by Okada Motorcycle Operator in a bid to escape being flogged by masquerades after closing from the school and returning home on Tuesday.
The incident, sources said attracted many sympathisers who carried the blood-soaked teenager in a coma to an undisclosed hospital.
Last week, there was also a stampede in the popular Osele Market when people ran helter-skelter thinking there was an external attack not knowing it was the masquerades that were chasing people around.
Aggrieved residents insisted that they want to know those behind masquerades in masks terrorising the residents particularly the school children during the closing hours when they are returning home.
An eye witness, Oye Ajileye said the student victim ran away from the masquerades chasing her and in the process knocked down by Okada operator
Residents urged men of the Federal Road Safety Commission( FRSC) to always position their men at the Jubilee axis always busy with students during peak hours in the morning and afternoon, while Eegun worshippers must monitor the activities of their masquerades.
Efforts to speak with the Unit Commander of FRSC, Ikare Akoko, Ropo Alabi and Police Divisional Police for Ikare-Akoko were not successful at press time.
