Ondo: Two die, scores injured in communal clash

From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure

At least two people have reportedly lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries in a communal clash between the neighbouring communities of Oka Odo, Ebo, and Owake in Ondo State.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state police command, Funmilayo Odunlami, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the clash started on Sunday when some youths from Oka Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by youths from Ebo community.

The Ebo youths were said to have mistaken them for individuals from Owake, with whom they have an unresolved land dispute.

In retaliation, the Oka Odo youths reportedly mobilised and invaded Ebo community, leading to arson.

The conflict, according to sources, led to casualties on both sides, resulting in the deaths of two persons.

The PPRO, in a statement issued in Akure on Monday, said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilfred Afolabi, has called for peace in the troubled communities.

According to the statement, the Police Commissioner urged all parties involved to sheath their swords, as violence and property destruction would not benefit any of the communities.

The PPRO informed that a police team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, has been deployed to the area to restore peace.

The police authorities also enjoined the warring communities to seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes to avoid further loss of lives and property, while assuring residents that the police would ensure that the perpetrators of violence on both sides are brought to justice.