Police Arrest 32 Suspects Over Communal Clash in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 32 suspects in connection with a violent communal clash that occurred in Iwaro, Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state.

LEADERSHIP reports that the clash, which erupted on Monday, resulted in the deaths of at least two people, while several others sustained varying degrees of injury. The violence affected three quarters of the local government and is believed to have been triggered by long-standing land disputes.

Police Investigation Underway

CSP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, confirmed the arrests and stated that the suspects have been transferred to the state police headquarters in Akure for further questioning.

“Yes, 32 suspects have been arrested in connection with the communal clash that occurred in the Akoko area on Sunday. All the suspects are in our custody, and the investigation is ongoing to unravel the causes of the clash,” Odunlami-Omisanya said in a statement.

Cause of the Conflict

The dispute reportedly stemmed from an Appeal Court judgment that had confirmed the Owake community’s ownership of a disputed piece of land. Following the court’s ruling, members of the community had attempted to install signposts along Ikun Road to mark the land they had won.

However, their efforts were met with violence as they were ambushed by suspected thugs. The attack led to several injuries and the tragic loss of two lives. In addition to the casualties, numerous properties, including homes and community structures, were destroyed during the clash.

Ongoing Efforts

The police have vowed to continue their investigation into the matter and to bring those responsible for the violence to justice. Local authorities are working to restore order in the area and prevent further escalation of the conflict.