3 killed, 2 arrested in renewed Osun communal clash

THREE  persons have been killed in a renewed hostilities between Ifon-Orolu and Ilobu communities in Osun State.

It was gathered that the fresh dispute followed the decision of Ilobu farmers to return to their farms over alleged destruction of farm produce therein.

The Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Adegoke Ogunsola said the Ifon indigenes invaded farmlands in some villages that fall within Oyo State, where Ilobu indigenes farm and destroyed farmlands in Ologele and Aganna.

“While shooting sporadically to disperse farmers, two persons were killed, one Sulaiman Adegbenro and his son died at Aganna village. Later, they stormed the Wooden-gate area of Ilobu, shooting and killed one person,” he said.

However, Secretary, Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union Board of Trustees, Prince Jide Akinyooye, alleged that Ilobu indigenes were the ones who stormed Ifon villages destroying property.

He said: “The situation led to sporadic shooting in some villages where some of our people were wounded and we have reported the matter to the police for intervention.”

Adeleke declares dusk to dawn curfew

Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared dusk to dawn curfew in the areas affected.

The governor had in October 2023 declared curfew in the communities as a result of violent communal clash which led to the death of several people while property worth worth million were destroyed.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, yesterday, the governor approved a 6pm to 6am curfew to be imposed on the warring communities effective immediately.

It also warned that anyone or group of persons caught instigating the crisis would face the full wrath of law.

Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, in a statement, yesterday, confirmed that only two persons were killed while two persons have been arrested in connection with the crisis.

She said: “Unfortunately, two persons lost their lives in the incident and the corpses have been deposited in the mortuary at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital.

“Meanwhile, one Mojeed Alani, and one other, who were arrested with weapons and criminal charms by Police operatives for their role in the communual clash have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation."

“The Commissioner of Police, Bzigu Kwazhi, while commiserating with victims of the incident appealed to members of the public, especially the people living in the warring communities to remain calm as discreet investigation has commenced.”