Communal Tensions Escalate In Osun State: A Cry For Peace And Justice

Violence Flares Up Between Ifon and Ilobu Communities

In a troubling development, no fewer than 30 residents have been shot during a fresh outbreak of communal violence between Ifon in the Orolu Local Government Area and Ilobu in the Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State. The violence, which erupted in the early hours of Friday, has left a trail of destruction, with many families—especially women and children—displaced as tensions over land disputes continue to escalate. This latest clash is just another chapter in a long-standing feud between these two communities, with both sides accusing each other of aggression.

Roots of the Conflict: A Land Dispute With Deep-Seated Issues

The root cause of the conflict lies in a longstanding land dispute between the two communities. This recent clash is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of ongoing violence where both sides have attacked each other in villages and over farmland. In addition to the shootings, several houses and shops were razed to the ground, leaving many families without shelter or means of livelihood. The situation has become dire, with residents on both sides living in fear of further attacks.

Voices of Frustration: Residents Speak Out

Residents of Ifon, under the banner of the Concerned Youth of Ifon Osun, Orolu Kingdom, have expressed their growing frustration with the situation. In a video shared on social media, they voiced their concerns, saying, “We can’t keep looking and be watching Olobu & Ilobu people burning our shops and houses in the midnight any longer.” They urged the Osun State Government to intervene swiftly, stating, “We, the Youth of Ifon Osun Orolu Kingdom, call on the state Government of Osun to hasten their steps and actions to sort things out. We have been patiently enduring the brutal attacks and destructive behavior of Ilobu hoodlums for far too long.”

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Despite the chaos, the community praised their king, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Ilufemiloye Akinyooiye III, Olufon of Ifon Osun, for his efforts to maintain peace. However, they admitted that it was becoming increasingly difficult to remain passive as their ancestral properties and farmlands were being destroyed. They emphasized, “Our peace-loving and law-abiding king has been calming our youths and advising restraint, despite the ongoing aggression from Ilobu.”

Counteraccusations From Ilobu

In response to these allegations, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Leke Ogunsola, denied that his people had attacked Ifon residents. Instead, he accused Ifon of instigating the violence. According to Ogunsola, the attacks began on Tuesday when Ifon residents allegedly targeted Ilobu farmers on their farmland. He recounted an incident where an attempted kidnapping of a chief was thwarted by nearby farmers. He also accused Ifon of committing multiple violent acts, including setting fire to houses and burning motorcycles.

Ogunsola detailed a specific incident that took place on Wednesday, saying, “They went to a farm at Gbere to attack Nureni and Oseni Saluwudeen, burnt down two motorcycles, which were reported at the police station in Ilobu.” He described the attacks on Ilobu as particularly devastating for women and children, stating, “Yesterday, in the evening, they went to a place called Oke-Ekutu, destroyed all the houses and set one on fire. They went to Akipanroro, Ganga, and Oke-Ayepe, started burning and shooting at our people. Mostly children and women were caught in this attack.”

The Human Toll: Displacement and Suffering

The conflict has taken a heavy toll on innocent civilians, particularly women and children. Many have been displaced, and some have sought refuge in the palace, where local methods are being used to extract bullets from the wounded. Ogunsola described the desperate situation, saying, “Our children and women are displaced now, we are extracting bullets in the palace through local means. They have brought about 30 to the palace for us to remove the bullets from their bodies, and they are still bringing more.” The situation highlights the urgent need for intervention to prevent further loss of life and suffering.

This tragic situation underscores the need for dialogue and mediation to resolve the underlying issues fueling the conflict. Both communities deserve peace, and it is imperative that authorities take immediate action to restore calm and address the root causes of the dispute.