Scores of hoodlums, said to be political thugs of  an unidentified political party, on Tuesday unleashed mayhem on residents around the Emir's Palace, Ile-film and Bolanta areas of Ilorin, Kwara State.

The development caused pandemonium as the hoodlums were said to have attacked people and damaged properties.

It was learnt that weapons such as cutlasses and broken bottles were freely used, while business activities were paralysed as traders hurriedly closed shops.

Some vehicles parked along the affected areas were  damaged.

The development made many of the residents to seek protection in the  neighouring streets such as Gegele  and Pakata that were not affected by the fracas.

Punch correspondent, however, learnt that the mayhem did not reach the Emir's Palace.

A source, who pleaded not to be mentioned, said the thugs fought over political positions and patronage.

He added that the fight was between two factions of an unidentified political party over sharing of positions for the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

The Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olufemi Fabode, confirmed the attacks to Punch correspondent on the telephone on Tuesday.

He stated that 16 suspects had been arrested in connection with the mayhem. He also said the  Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr Oshodi Agboola-Glover, had ordered a thorough investigation into the mayhem, adding that more culprits would be arrested and prosecuted.