[News] Communal crisis looms as gunmen shoots 28-year-old farmer dead over land dispute in Osun

A communal crisis is looming between Ilobu and Ifon-Orolu of Osun State after unknown gunmen killed a 28-year-old farmer identified as Sodiq Alamu, on a disputed land.

It was gathered that the Ilobu in the Irepodun local government area and Ifon of Orolu local government area of Osun state have been at loggerheads with each other over some portion of land.

According to the Nation report, the Ilobu community had raised alarm about two weeks ago alleging that Ifon-Orolu is planning to cause mayhem in some parts of the disputed land in the Opapa area.

The Ilobu community through the Public Relations officer is Ilobu-Asake Development Union, Tairu Babatunde disclosed that Sodiq of Aganna’s compound, Ilobu was killed by unknown gunmen on his farm around the Opapa area of the community on Friday, September 15, 2023.

“Eesa of Ifon-Osun, Babatunde Oyetunji, and a Prince of Ifon-Osun, Jide Akinyooye have finally carried out their threats by killing an indigene of Ilobu identified as Sodiq of Aganna’s. A team of police officers led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ilobu have removed the corpse. We urge security to arrest the duo,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command has appealed to residents of Ilobu, Ifon to remain calm.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Opalola Yemisi Olawoyin, in a statement on Saturday, September 16,  assured the public that an investigation into Alamu’s killing is underway.

“The Osun State Police Command is using this medium to inform the good people of the State especially, the residents of Ilobu and Ifon in Irepodun and Orolu local governments area that the Police Command is aware of the report of the incident of the death of one Sodiq Alamu about 28 years of age along Opapa village in Ilobu and therefore passionately appeal to the residents of both communities (Ilobu & Ifon) and its environs to remain calm as investigation has immediately commenced to unraveled the circumstances that led to the death of the young man,” the statement read.

“Also, the Command is aware of clandestine meetings being held by some individuals/groups of people to cause mayhem within the communities

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Kehinde Longer since the report of the incident has been having meetings with Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan and other relevant stakeholders to appeal to their subjects to remain peaceful and not to take law into their hands as the Police Command will not relent until the circumstances is unraveled and suspect (s) are brought to book.”