News Update
THE Ilobu community in Osun State has issued a desperate call to President Bola Tinubu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Director of the Department of State Security Adeola Ajayi, seeking immediate intervention in what they describe as an ongoing assault by neighbouring Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun communities.
Residents of Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government, say they have been under constant attacks, with the latest outbreak of violence occurring on Friday morning.
The community woke up to sporadic gunfire, with reports of heavy invasions in areas such as Ganga, Idire, Apiponroro, Olobu Market, and Ayedaade.
According to community leaders, the attacks have resulted in multiple fatalities, numerous injuries, and the destruction of properties worth over N2 billion.
Shops and homes were set ablaze, forcing thousands of residents, including children and the elderly, to flee for safety.
“The situation is dire,” said Pastor Olufemi Salako, National President of the Ilobu Development Union, IDU.
“Many people suffered gunshot wounds, and countless families have been displaced. Businesses have been destroyed, and the suffering is unimaginable.”
Salako further alleged that the attack was not a spontaneous clash but a well-coordinated assault aimed at exterminating Ilobu.
He claimed that while past conflicts had revolved around disputed land, this new wave of violence was different.
“This time, it’s not about land disputes. It’s about the determination of Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun to wipe out Ilobu,” Salako said.
“The attack was pre-planned, and the level of destruction proves this.”
According to the community, the violence began on Thursday evening and escalated overnight, lasting for over 15 hours without any intervention from security agencies.
“Our calls to the Osun State Government, the Osun Commissioner of Police, and the Osun Security Network went unanswered,” Salako stated.
“The attackers acted with impunity, knowing no one would stop them.”
The Ilobu community claims that in the past 18 months alone, they have faced eight major attacks, resulting in over 30 deaths and the destruction of more than 100 homes.
They fear that without urgent federal intervention, the violence will continue unabated.
“We are defenseless. We don’t know what will happen next,” said another community leader, who preferred to remain anonymous.
“Over 100,000 people have been displaced. We need protection.”
The community is also calling on the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to provide relief materials for affected individuals and businesses, as many residents have lost their homes and means of livelihood.
“We need urgent help from NEMA,” Salako pleaded. “People have lost everything, and they have nowhere to go. We are in a humanitarian crisis.”
Residents say videos circulating online show the extent of the destruction, with burnt buildings and displaced families wandering in search of shelter.
Meanwhile, Ilobu leaders have urged the Osun State Government to act swiftly in restoring peace and preventing further bloodshed.
“Intelligence reports from Ifon-Osun suggest that they are planning to sustain this attack for days,” Salako warned.
“We need the government to step in before more lives are lost.”
The Ilobu community also alleged that the traditional ruler of Ifon-Osun, Oba Peter Ipadeola Akinyooye, had failed to prevent the violence and that his reign had been marked by bloodshed.
“Since Oba Akinyooye ascended the throne, we have seen nothing but catastrophe,” one resident claimed. “His focus seems to be on eliminating Ilobu rather than fostering peace.”
Security experts warn that continued inaction could lead to more violence and displacement.
They urge both state and federal governments to intervene before the conflict spirals further out of control.
Efforts to reach the leaders of Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun communities for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.