Five Killed As Communities Clash Over Land
By Our Reporter
AKURE – No fewer than 5 persons have been reportedly killed in a clash over disputed land at Gbalegi between Idanre and Akure South Local Government areas of Ondo State.
Reports had it that the two communities had been fighting I er the disputed land before the first republic.
But in a statement by the Spokesperson to the state Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, a Chief Superintendent of Police confirmed 4 person dead in the crisis.
She said when Police stormed the community to intervene, seven suspects were arested.
Among firearms recovered from the scene are seven barrels guns, cache of live and expended ammunition.
The statement reads in parts: “The Ondo State Police Command received a distress call that a group of of thugs mobilized themselves to Gbalegi area, (a disputed land between Akure and Idanre) attacking the people of the said area.
“The Police on receipt of the information moved to the scene and arrested Seven (7) people who were in possession of Charms and Seven single barrel guns with cache of live ammunition and expended ones, the Police further combed the nearby bush areas and found four corpses with bullet wounds.”
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilfred Afolabi called on the people of the state to be cautious in the way they handle land disputes.
He said: “The CP calls for caution in handling cases related to boundary issues and urge communities involved in land disputes to approach the law court for proper redress rather than resorting to self help or violence.”
•INDEPENDENTNG.