At least 30 people have sustained gunshot wounds following a violent clash between the communities of Ifon in Orolu Local Govern...
At least 30 people have sustained gunshot wounds following a violent clash between the communities of Ifon in Orolu Local Government and Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government Area, both in Osun State.
The crisis, reportedly fueled by a longstanding land dispute, has forced many residents—especially women and children—to flee their homes for safety.
In the early hours of Friday, unidentified attackers set multiple homes and businesses ablaze, worsening the destruction in the area.
Sources indicate that tensions had been building for some time, with both communities engaging in periodic skirmishes over disputed lands.
A group identifying as the Concerned Youth of Ifon Osun, Orolu Kingdom expressed their frustration on social media, stating:
“We can’t keep watching as Ilobu people burn our shops and houses in the middle of the night. We, the Youth of Ifon Osun Orolu Kingdom, call on the Osun State Government to act swiftly. We have endured brutal attacks and destruction at the hands of Ilobu hoodlums for too long.
Our peace-loving king, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Ilufemiloye Akinyooye III, the Olufon of Ifon Osun Orolu Kingdom, has been urging restraint despite continued aggression from Ilobu. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to remain passive while our ancestral lands and properties are being destroyed and our people are harmed.”
Meanwhile, Chief Leke Ogunsola, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, denied that his community initiated the violence. He countered:
“Since Tuesday, our people have been attacked on their farmlands in locations such as Agbere Onireke and Opapa. A chief was nearly kidnapped but was rescued by nearby farmers.
On Wednesday, two motorcycles were burned at Gbere after an attack on Nureni and Oseni Saluwudeen. The incident was reported to the police in Ilobu.
Last night, they stormed Oke-Ekutu, destroying houses and setting one ablaze. They moved to Akipanroro, Ganga, and Oke-Ayepe, burning properties and shooting at our people. Women and children were caught in the crossfire, and we were taken by surprise.
Many have been displaced. We are extracting bullets from victims at the palace using local methods—over 30 have been treated so far, with more still arriving. Women and children are the worst affected.”
Authorities have yet to release an official statement, but residents continue to call for urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed.
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