Another communal clash claims four lives in Ondo

Another clash between two communities in Ondo State resulted in the tragic loss of six lives, with four people killed in a separate incident on Friday.

The violence occurred in the village of Gbalegi, on the border between Idanre and Akure, the state capital. Tensions had been simmering in the community for some time before the armed attack broke out on Friday morning at around 8am. The victims were initially taken to the nearby police station before being transferred to the mortuary in Akure.

Ondo State Police Command confirmed that he had received a distress call that a group of bandits had mobilized to the Gbalegi area (a disputed land between Akure and Idanre), attacking the people of the said area.

After the incident, police responded quickly and arrested seven people. These individuals were found to possess amulets and seven single-barreled guns, as well as a supply of live and spent ammunition.

Police spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami said police further searched nearby bush areas and found bullet-riddled corpses.

“The Commissioner of Police calls for prudence in handling cases relating to border issues and urges communities involved in land disputes to approach the court for adequate redress rather than resorting to self-help or violence,” she said .

On Sunday, January 12, two people died in a communal clash involving youths from Oka Odo, Ebo and Owake communities in Iwaro Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of ​​Ondo State.

The violence also led to the destruction of property. Several injured residents were rushed to the Federal Medical Center in Iwaro-Oka for treatment. Police also said they had arrested 35 people in connection with the clash and that those found guilty would be prosecuted.

The Iwaro Oka incident followed a cult clash in Owo where at least four people lost their lives and many others were injured.