From Michael Ofulue, Osun
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The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has warned perpetrators of the communal crisis that engulfed Ilobu/Ifon-Orolu communities in the state, to desist from such acts or face the wrath of the law.
He sounded the note of warning in his opening remark at the first interactive session with the people of the state tagged, “Ipade Imole”, in Osogbo.
The governor said the 24 hours curfew imposed on the two towns was ordered in a bid to restore law and order.
He added that leaders of the two communities have been summoned to his office in a bid to end the unnecessary killings in the area, saying military operatives have been deployed to the warring towns.
“I am not happy to be here today due to the communal crisis in Ifon-Orolu and Ilobu, where people have been killed senselessly.
“I have directed a joint military taskforce with instructions to shoot at sight with regard to those attempting to disrupt the peace of the communities.
“Henceforth, I will not condone these senseless killings. The state government has taken over the disputed lands in the area and anyone seen there should be dealt with appropriately”.
Reports had it that no fewer than four policemen were reportedly injured by a mob in the ongoing communal crisis between the two communities; Ilobu and Ifon-Orolu on Wednesday.
Among the injured officers is the Divisional Police Office, DPO, Irepodun Divisional Headquarters while a patrol vehicle was set ablaze by the mob.
The communal crisis between the two neighbouring towns located in Irepodun and Orolu Local Government areas of the state was rekindled on Wednesday.
This was after reports of attacks on residents of Ifon and Erin-Osun by unknown gunmen led to the death of one person.
Residents in both communities fled their homes as some houses were razed with gunshots sound from Wednesday night through Thursday morning.
Osun Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that four policemen, including a DPO were injured and receiving treatment at a hospital in the state.
She added that a patrol vehicle was razed as the Osun Commissioner of Police, Kehinde Longe led other security operatives to the towns to enforce law and order.
