Osun communal clash: DPO, 7 others killed, gov Adeleke orders ‘shoot-at-sight’

• The troubling situation between the two towns has forced the residents of the enclaves to flee and abandon their homes to avoid being killed
• Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State yesterday issued a shoot-at-sight order to soldiers and other security operatives deployed to Ifon and Ilobu towns to quench the communal clash

At least eight people have been killed in a communal clash between Ifon and Ilobu towns in Osun State.

The troubling situation between the two towns has forced the residents of the enclaves to flee and abandon their homes to avoid being killed

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Thursday issued a shoot-at-sight order to soldiers and other security operatives deployed to Ifon and Ilobu towns to quench the communal clash.

Although no official figure has been released on the number of people killed, locals said more than eight people, including a police officer, lost their lives.

Despite a swift response from the state government and security agencies to stop further escalation of the crisis, residents have deserted the towns and moved to neighbouring communities.

Reacting to the development, the governor called on the traditional rulers in the state to foster peace in their towns and prevent communal clashes.

He lamented that the killing was needless, 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 long-standing feud took 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