The death of a man, who allegedly passed away after eating at a child christening in Iragiji, a community in Osun State, has sparked protests in the area.

WuzupNigeria reports that some angry youths on Thursday, blocked Ikirun/Ada Road in Iragbiji to protest the death of the man.

Iragiji is the hometown of the state governor, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Shops, schools and many business outlets were shut as the rampaging youths, armed with machetes and broken bottles, set up bonfires at the entrance to the Aragbiji’s palace, Alabiamo and Popo junctions in protest against the victim’s death.

They prevented vehicular movement for several hours and broke several bottles on the road to make it impassable.

Many commuters plying the Ikirun/Iragbiji/Ada Road had to make detours and took alternative routes to escape being attacked by the protesters.

A resident, simply identified as Kamoru, said the deceased ate at a child christening on Tuesday and slumped afterwards.

He said the protesters, who suspected that the deceased was poisoned, also attempted to kill the person who invited him to the party.

Kamoru stated, “A man (name not given) was invited to a party on Tuesday at the Alabiamo area in Iragbiji and after eating at the event, the man took ill and died.

“Those protesting are friends of the deceased, who felt that he was poisoned. They were armed with weapons. The protesters also blocked the roads and set up bonfires and prevented vehicular movement.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Yemisi Opalola, however, said the protesters were hoodlums from Iragbiji, who were displeased with the arrest of some of their colleagues for drug-related offences by the police.

Opalola stated, “On Thursday, some youths from Iragbiji assembled and started burning tyres on the road and caused gridlock.

“From our investigation, their action was due to the arrest of some of their colleagues for drug-related offences. They made bonfires near the Aragbiji’s palace and Alabiamo junction.

“Our men on patrol were joined by men of Joint Task Force to chase the hoodlums away. The area is now calm.”