A recent clash between residents of Ilobu and Ifon communities in Osun State on October 5, 2023, resulted in the loss of at least eight lives, according to reports from Naija News.

The casualties occurred due to stray bullets fired by security personnel dispatched to the affected areas in response to the renewed hostilities. Both Ilobu and Ifon became inaccessible on Thursday as the turmoil unfolded. Some security personnel were reportedly compelled to remain stationed at the entrances of the two communities.

Chief Leke Ogunsola, speaking on behalf of the Ilobu community, expressed his concern about the security forces’ reluctance to enter the affected areas within the communities. He reported that four lives, including that of an infant, were lost during the crisis in their town.

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On the side of Ifon residents, the exact casualty count could not be immediately determined. However, photographs of four different individuals allegedly struck by stray bullets from security agents were presented to journalists who visited the scene of the incident.

Prince Jide Akinyooye, the Secretary of the Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union, Board of Trustees, informed the media that several houses were set ablaze during the attack on the town. He attributed the crisis to a land dispute gazette that had been a source of tension for a while.

In response to the communal clash, Governor Ademola Adeleke directed that neither of the two communities should approach the disputed land. He emphasized that the state government had taken control of the contested area and warned of arrests and prosecution for anyone found there.

Many residents from both communities had fled their homes due to the ongoing conflict. Journalists visiting the areas reported that deceased bodies were being evacuated by the state government, and security personnel were stationed at the entrances of the communities.

Osun Police Command spokesperson Yemisi Opalola commented on the incident, stating that hoodlums burned a new police patrol van, accusing the police of taking sides. Four police officers were hospitalized after being shot during an attempt to mediate peace in the area. The Divisional Police Officer of Ilobu was among those injured.

In the meantime, the government of Osun State has taken the step of instituting a curfew in the Irepodun and Orolu local government areas. This measure has been put in place to prevent any further escalation of the situation.