VAM News Update
About eight people were feared killed in a communal clash involving the people of Ilobu and Ifon communities in Osun State on Thursday, Oct. 5.
Those killed were said to have been hit by stray bullets fired by the security operatives deployed to the clashing communities.
Scores of security operatives were sighted at the entrance to the two communities and residents were seen fleeing the troubled communities through Okini community.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, numbering about 30, were evacuated from the communities by security operatives.
Spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that the DPO and three police officers suffered gun injuries during the clash and were being treated.
She said, “They burnt a new patrol van of police yesterday (Wednesday, Oct. 4).
“They alleged us of taking a side. It is unfortunate that the Monitoring Section van that was donated to us was burnt. Our four men are in hospital now, they were shot. The Divisional Police Officer of Ilobu was among those who were shot. He was shot in the hand. But thanks to God, they are all responding to treatment. They ambushed policemen when our men attempted to broker peace in the area.”
The Secretary, Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union, Board of Trustees, Prince Jide Akinyooye, who addressed journalists on behalf of the Ifon community, said several houses were razed during the attack on the town.
He said, “The gazette that ceded parts of the land belonging to Ifon to Ilobu during Rauf Aregbesola’s regime has been causing the crisis. We are in danger. We have tried to avoid reprisal but the refusal of the police to act may lead to another thing. Several houses were burnt.”
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed that none of the two communities should be seen near the disputed land.
Speaking at the ‘Ipade Imole’ – a public enlightenment programme organised by his administration held in Osogbo on Thursday, Oct. 5, Adeleke said, “I have given a directive that nobody should be seen on the disputed land. Anybody they see there should be arrested and prosecuted. The state government has taken over the disputed land.
“The kings and leaders should come together. By the time the government takes over all your land, reality will dawn on you. I have informed the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, who hails from Ilobu. We have given a standing order to the soldiers to be in charge.”
Osun state government has since declared a curfew on the two local government areas of Irepodun and Orolu local government areas to prevent escalation.