One killed, many others injured as communities clash over land in Osun

Fresh violence over land ownership has erupted between Ifon-Orolu and Ilobu communities in Osun State, leaving one person dead and several houses burned.

The Osun State government has responded by ordering immediate security operations to restore peace and urging the established peace committee to intervene.

Tension escalated on Thursday evening when gunshots rang out, followed by arson attacks on homes in the early hours of Friday, throwing residents into panic.

Both communities have blamed each other for the renewed clashes. Chief Adegoke Ogunsola, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, accused Ifon-Orolu residents of launching the attack, which reportedly spread to several areas, including Gbere Onireke, Opapa, and Oke-Ebutu Ganga. He also alleged that Erin Osun residents joined in the violence, burning houses in Oke-Ayepe and Ayedaade.

In contrast, Mr. Akeeb Adekunle, spokesperson for the Olufon of Ifon, claimed that Ilobu residents had been attacking Ifon indigenes since last week, despite police reports. He further alleged that Ilobu hoodlums escalated the crisis by burning a Primary Health Centre and residential buildings, adding that an elderly woman was killed and her body set ablaze.

Reacting to the violence, Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered a joint security task force to intervene immediately. He condemned the continuous breach of peace agreements and warned of stringent actions on the buffer zone between the two communities if hostilities persist.

At the time of this report, Governor Adeleke was engaged in security and political meetings to find a lasting resolution to the crisis.