Two Killed, Many Injured In Communal Clash In Ondo

Two people were killed and many others were injured in a communal clash between the Owake and Ebo communities in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The incident took place on Sunday night, when the violent clash destroyed the palace of the Asin of Oka-Odo, along with an event hall and several residential buildings, Premium Times reported.

Police Public Relations Officer Funmilayo Odunlami shared a statement on Monday, revealing that the Commissioner of Police has urged all parties involved to stop the violence, warning that property destruction and conflict would only harm the community's progress and development.

The police explained that the clash began on Jan. 12, when youths from Oka Odo went hunting and were reportedly attacked by youths from Ebo. The Ebo youths mistakenly believed they were from Owake, with whom they have a land dispute.

In retaliation, Oka Odo youths gathered and attacked Ebo, resulting in arson. The conflict caused casualties on both sides, with two people killed (identities unknown) and several others injured, who are now receiving treatment in the hospital.

A police team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, has been sent to the area to restore peace and prevent further violence. The Commissioner of Police has urged the communities to resolve their disputes peacefully to avoid more deaths and damage.

He assured residents that the police would ensure those responsible for the violence on both sides are held accountable. A resident, who chose to remain anonymous, explained that the clash was caused by ongoing land issues and boundary disputes between the two communities.

"Oka-Odo community was attacked on Sunday night by suspected hoodlums allegedly from the neighboring Ebo community. As I speak, both the palace and the event hall have been completely destroyed, and several houses were set on fire," the resident said, Punch reported.

He added, "Earlier that same day, members of the Owake community had gone to install signposts on lands along Ikun Road, acting in line with an Appeal Court judgment that affirmed their ownership of the disputed lands."

Sunday's clash happened just a week after a similar incident in Owo, where four people were killed and several others injured. The Owo clash was between rival street cults. The police have arrested 25 people in connection with the incident.