A violent clash between residents of Ifon in Orolu Local Government Area and Ilobu in Irepodun Council Area of Osun State has left at least 30 people shot, with many more, especially women and children, displaced. The dispute, which revolves around a long-standing land issue, saw several houses and shops set on fire in the early hours of Friday.
The ongoing conflict, which has seen the two communities attacking each other over the disputed land, has escalated in recent days. Videos shared on social media show members of the Concerned Youth of Ifon Osun, Orolu Kingdom, expressing outrage over the destruction of their properties. The group, under the leadership of Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Ilufemiloye Akinyooiye III, the Olufon of Ifon Osun Orolu Kingdom, has called on the Osun State Government to take swift action to prevent further violence. They expressed frustration, citing years of enduring attacks from Ilobu residents, which have continued despite their king's efforts to mediate peace.
“We can’t keep looking and watching Ilobu people burn our shops and houses in the middle of the night any longer,” said the youth group, emphasizing their exhaustion from the ongoing aggression.
On the other hand, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Chief Leke Ogunsola, denied allegations of attacking Ifon, instead accusing them of initiating the violence. He recounted attacks on Ilobu residents, including the attempted kidnapping of a chief, the destruction of farmlands, and several violent incidents resulting in the burning of homes and motorcycles. Ogunsola said that children and women were particularly affected by the violence, with many needing medical attention for bullet wounds.
“Children and women are mostly affected,” he said, adding that many victims have been brought to the palace for treatment, where local methods are being used to extract bullets.
Osun Police spokesperson, Akeem Adeoye, confirmed the situation but did not provide immediate details on the response, stating that further information would be provided soon. The situation remains tense, with residents of both communities calling for urgent intervention to restore peace.
