Ayomidele Oluwasusi
At least two persons were killed while many people were injured in a communal clash in Nigeria’s southwestern state of Ondo, police said.
The bloody clash between the Owake and Ebo communities in Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state happened on Sunday night, with the palace of the Asin of Oka-Odo, an event hall with many residential buildings in the community, destroyed by some hoodlums.
The clash occurred as a result of unresolved land matters and boundary disputes, a resident who pleaded anonymity told a local news outlet.
“Oka-Odo community was attacked on Sunday night by suspected hoodlums allegedly from the neighbouring Ebo community. As I speak, both the palace and the event hall have been completely destroyed, and several houses were set on fire,” the source told The Punch newspaper.
“Earlier that same day, members of the Owake community had gone to install signposts on lands along Ikun Road, acting in line with an Appeal Court judgment that affirmed their ownership of the disputed lands.
“However, on their way back, they were ambushed by suspected thugs, who launched a violent attack, leaving many injured. The injured residents were promptly transported to the newly inaugurated Federal Medical Centre.”
The Ondo State Police Command’s spokeswoman Funmilayo Odunlami confirmed the incident, adding that men of the command had been deployed in the area to maintain law and other.
“The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, has called for peace amidst the ongoing clashes between the youths of Oka Odo, Ebo, and Owake communities in Iwaro. The CP urged all parties involved to sheathe their swords, as violence and property destruction would only result in stagnation and underdevelopment,” Odulami said.
“The clash started on January 12, 2025, when youths from Oka Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by Ebo youths. The Ebo youths were said to have mistaken them for individuals from Owake, with whom they have an unresolved land dispute.
“In retaliation, Oka Odo youths mobilised and invaded the Ebo community, leading to incidents of arson. The conflict led to casualties on both sides leading to death of two persons (identities unknown), while the injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
“A police team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operation), has been deployed in the area to restore peace and prevent further escalation.”
According to the police spokeswoman, the CP urged both communities to seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes to avoid further loss of lives and property.
“He also assured the residents that the police would ensure that the perpetrators of violence on both sides were brought to justice.”
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