1 Feared Killed in Renewed Communal Clash Between Osun Communities

A fresh communal clash over land ownership between the Ifon-Orolu and Ilobu communities in Osun State has reportedly left one person dead. The violence has once again thrown residents of both communities into fear and chaos.

In response, the Osun State government has initiated immediate security operations to restore peace and urged the peace committee to work towards reviving the fragile harmony in the area. The crisis, which escalated on Thursday evening, saw gunshots echoing through the air and houses set ablaze early Friday morning.

The conflict, which has deep historical roots over land disputes, reignited with accusations between the two communities. The Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola, blamed the people of Ifon-Orolu for launching the initial attack on Monday, which he claimed had continued until Thursday, leading to its escalation. Ogunsola reported that various areas in Ilobu, including Gbere Onireke, Opapa, Oke-Ebutu Ganga, Apinponroro, Olobu market, Elentere, and Oke-Ayepe, were targeted by attackers from Ifon-Orolu. He also alleged that the Erin Osun people joined the fray, setting fire to about ten houses in Oke-Ayepe and Ayedaade.

On the other hand, the spokesperson for the Olufon of Ifon, Mr. Akeeb Adekunle, accused the Ilobu community of initiating a series of attacks against Ifon residents since the previous week, with no response from the police. Adekunle claimed the situation escalated on Thursday night when hoodlums from Ilobu allegedly invaded disputed areas, burning down a Primary Health Centre and residential buildings. He further alleged that an elderly woman was killed, and her body was burned in her home, while Ifon residents fled for safety.

In light of the renewed violence, Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on the joint security task force to immediately intervene and halt the clashes. The Governor expressed concern over the repeated breakdown of peace agreements between the warring communities and warned of severe consequences if hostilities do not cease.

At the time of filing this report, Governor Adeleke was engaged in security and political consultations aimed at finding a lasting solution to the conflict.