On Monday, numerous residents in Ifon and Ilobu towns, located in Osun State, found themselves compelled to evacuate their homes due to reported violent clashes involving hoodlums from the two communities.
While the exact cause of the present hostility remains unclear, security sources, speaking anonymously to PUNCH Online, revealed that militias from Ifon and Ilobu clashed in villages situated on the border of Osun and Oyo States. The confrontation subsequently spilled over into the towns, leaving residents in a state of fear and uncertainty.
This recent bout of violence is not an isolated incident, as Ilobu and Ifon have a history of engaging in bloody clashes over boundary disputes. The state government had taken measures in October 2023 by imposing a 24-hour curfew on the communities in response to clashes that resulted in loss of lives and property destruction. The curfew was only lifted last December when relative peace returned to the area.
Providing accounts of the latest incident, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Leke Ogunsola, reported to journalists that hoodlums from Ifon attacked Ilobu farmers in Ologele and Aganna villages, resulting in the death of a farmer and injuries to others. On the other hand, Jide Akinyooye, the Secretary of Ifon Progressive Union Board of Trustees, alleged that hoodlums from Ilobu attacked Ifon indigenes, causing injuries.
Residents, like Oladotun from Ilobu, fled to Osogbo for refuge, describing the hurried closure of business outlets in both towns as news of the clashes spread. He recounted, "I have to leave with my family. We are currently in a church in Osogbo where we will pass the night." Reports also indicate that clashes in villages near the Osun-Oyo boundary, such as Wale, Idiroko, and Iranin, resulted in the destruction of property and casualties.
The Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, assured that personnel had been deployed to the affected area to prevent further escalation. She stated, "We have deployed men to the communities. We are already working on the issues. I will brief you on further development." As tensions persist, the communities await resolution and hope for a return to calm and stability.
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