One person was feared killed, and many others sustained injuries in a communal clash between the Owake and Ebo communities in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State on Sunday night.
It was gathered that the palace of the Asin of Oka-Odo, Iwaro-Oka in Akoko Southwest Local Government of Ondo, an event hall, and several residential buildings in the community were destroyed by hoodlums during the violent conflict.
A member of the community, who spoke on anonymity, explained that the crisis stemmed from unresolved land disputes and boundary issues.
The source said, “Oka-Odo Community was attacked on Sunday night by suspected hoodlums allegedly from the neighbouring Ebo community. As I speak, both the palace and the event hall have been completely destroyed, and several houses were set on fire.
“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.
“However, on their way back, members of the Owake Community were ambushed by suspected thugs, who launched a violent attack, leaving many injured. The injured residents were promptly transported to the newly commissioned Federal Medical Centre.”
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the command, Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident and said that men of the command had been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.
Odunlami said, “The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, has called for peace amidst the ongoing clashes between the youths of Oka Odo, Ebo, and Owake communities in Iwaro. The CP urged all parties involved to sheath their swords, as violence and property destruction would only result in stagnation and underdevelopment.
“The clash started on January 12, 2025, when youths from Oka Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by youths from Ebo. The Ebo youths were said to have mistaken them for individuals from Owake, with whom they have an unresolved land dispute.
“In retaliation, Oka Odo youths mobilised and invaded the Ebo community, leading to incidents of arson. The conflict resulted in casualties on both sides, including the death of two persons (names and identities unknown), while the injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
“A police team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), has been deployed in the area to restore peace and prevent further escalation.”
The CP urged both communities to seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes to avoid further loss of lives and property. He also assured residents that the police would ensure that the perpetrators of violence on both sides are brought to justice.
