Five Die In Osun Communal Clash; Gov Issues ‘Shoot-At-Sight’ Order To Soldiers, Security Operatives

By Babatunde Solanke

Following the death of six people during communal clash between Ifon and Ilobu towns in Osun State, the State Governor, Ademola Adeleke on Thursday issued a shoot-at-sight order to soldiers and other security operatives deployed to the warring towns to stop the carnage.

Several people have been reportedly killed in a communal clash between Ifon and Ilobu towns in the state over land dispute.

Although no official figure has been released on the number of people killed, residents said more than five people lost their lives.

As a result of the dispute, residents of the towns have abandoned their homes and moved to neighbouring communities to avoid being killed.

Speaking on the sad development, governor Adeleke called on the traditional rulers in the state to ensure peace in their towns and prevent communal clashes.

The governor also lamented that the killing was unwarranted, saying that the state government would take over the disputed land from both towns.

Adeleke said the curfew he declared in the area still subsists and that he had given shoot-at-sight orders to soldiers and other security men deployed to the area.

The age long hostility assumed a dangerous dimension on Wednesday evening when houses were burnt and other properties destroyed.

One of the residents, Mr Muideen Azeez said all his properties were burnt down but he escaped death.

Another resident, Mr Akindele Adeyemo called on the state government to find a lasting solution to the incessant clashes among the towns. 

Meanwhile, the two towns have continued to trade words over the cause of the clash, which revolves around land ownership.

The Secretary, Ifon Orolu Progressive Union Board of Trustees, Chief Akinjide Adelaja said the disputed land belongs to Ifon but the spokesperson for the Olobu in Council, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola said Ilobu is the original owner of the land.

The Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Kehinde Longe said the situation was under control and assured residents of the safety of  lives and properties.

Source Daily Trust