A fresh communal clash between Ifon in Orolu Local Government Area and Ilobu in Irepodun Council Area, Osun State, has left at least 30 residents shot and several others displaced. The dispute, stemming from a longstanding land conflict, escalated early Friday morning, leading to widespread violence.
In addition to the gunshot victims, many women and children have been displaced, and several houses and shops have been set ablaze during the attack. Tensions between the two communities have been rising for weeks, with clashes occurring in villages and disputed lands even before Friday’s violence.
Videos circulating on social media captured the anger of Ifon residents, with the Concerned Youth of Ifon Osun, Orolu Kingdom, expressing their frustration. “We can’t keep looking and watching Ilobu people burning our shops and houses in the midnight any longer,” they stated. They called on the state government to take urgent action, accusing Ilobu hoodlums of ongoing attacks. They acknowledged the peaceful efforts of their king, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Ilufemiloye Akinyooiye III, who has urged restraint, but the community’s patience is wearing thin.
On the other hand, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Chief Leke Ogunsola, denied any aggression from Ilobu. He accused the people of Ifon of attacking their residents first, claiming that assaults had occurred as early as Tuesday. He mentioned attacks on farmland and the attempted kidnapping of a chief, as well as other incidents involving arson and gunfire. “Our children and women are displaced now, and we are extracting bullets in the palace through local means,” he stated, describing the violence as an unprovoked assault on Ilobu’s peaceful citizens.
The Osun State Police have been notified of the escalating violence, with spokesperson Akeem Adeoye confirming that investigations are underway, though further details were not immediately provided. The state government and security forces face growing pressure to bring an end to the violence and restore peace to the troubled region.
