Eight killed, scores of house destroyed in Osun communal crisis

Eight people, including an infant, were reportedly killed in a communal clash between Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State.

Houses were also razed and property destroyed during the clash, which occurred overnight on Thursday as a lingering dispute over a piece of land escalated.

Residents of the two communities, especially women and children, were seen carrying their belongings and leaving their homes for safer places.

The communities were deserted, with security operatives taking over some flashpoints where violence could erupt again.

Speaking on the matter, the Jagun of Ilobu and spokesperson of the Olobu-in-Council, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola, alleged that the police were biased, saying that a policeman fired several gunshots at the high-tension wire in Ilobu, damaging the cable.

“Since Wednesday when a police officer did that, we have been thrown into darkness in Ilobu.

“The Ifon people used the opportunity to attack our people at night. Four of our people were killed, including an infant. The mother and others were shot and are receiving treatments at Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.”