…Adeleke orders security to fish out perpetrators

By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

As the raging communal war between two communities in Osun State took a worrisome dimension, one operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has reportedly been killed in the process.

Other officers of the agency sustained varying degrees of injuries in a communal crisis that erupted between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in Ayedaade Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday evening.

One of the palaces in the affected communities was razed by hoodlums who are yet to be identified.

As of the time of filing this report, many residents were thrown into intense panic, with some relocating from their homes for fear of being attacked.

An informed security source told our correspondent that the communal clash was caused by an Obaship selection tussle.

According to the source, the injured NSCDC officers had been rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Reacting to the crisis, a statement on behalf of the state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said many properties were lost to the violent confrontation.

He urged the immediate deployment of security personnel to fish out those behind the dastardly act and bring them to justice.

While calling for calm, Alimi said, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved and directed that security operatives should immediately be stationed in the areas to protect the communities by maintaining law and order.”

The statement read, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for calm between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State.

“He also announced that the government has ordered that the chieftaincy selection process which caused the communal clash be henceforth suspended.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke has also directed the Special Adviser on Security, Mr. Ojo, to mobilize security operatives to the towns to maintain law and order, ensuring that anyone caught not abiding by the law is arrested and prosecuted appropriately.

“The government has the duty of protecting the lives and properties of the people of Araromi Owu and Orile Owu in Ayedaade Local Government, hence directing that any act or movement contrary to peace, and which may lead to a breakdown of law and order in the communities, is not acceptable.

“The government particularly commiserates with the families of those who lost their properties in the communal clash and added that the rift will be duly investigated.

“The government reiterates that peace is germane in every environment and assured Osun residents of security, while also calling for the support of residents, and urged everyone to embrace peace.”