A Graveyard Peace Between Ifon, Ilobu

A combined team of security operatives, mounting checkpoint and occasionally embarking on stop and search is your first contact when entering the community from the Osogbo axis. Both the right and left of the road showed no sign of destruction or any sign of violent clash that claimed lives and properties. There was vehicular movement and passersby moved around without fear.

It was a market day; buying and selling was going on, traders spilled on the main road as they displayed their goods and products. There were doubts if the clash was actually as destructive as it was reported. But a navigation however to the hinterland of the community has a different picture; a real portrait of destruction; a sight of ruins. Welcome to Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun local government of Osun State. 

There was no noticeable boundary between Ilobu and Ifon, the headquarters of Orolu local government. Security operatives, especially officers of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, mobile policemen and Amotekun manned the entry point to Ifon. Incidentally, it was also a market day for the community and traders were busy with their commercial activities which obstructed the free-flow of traffic. There was no sign of tension as residents moved around without fear. However, unlike Ilobu, Ifon has a conspicuous show of destruction of properties on the main road. 

It was the second week after a truce was brokered between Ilobu and Ifon. The two communities had engaged each other in a brutal communal clash over a disputed parcel of land at Opapa area. OSUN DEFENDER visited the two communities to assess the effect of the clash. 

A Massive Destruction

Historical fact has it that the 2023 clash is the first experience of devastating destruction of properties and loss of lives between Ifon and Ilobu. “There had been crisis between us in the past but they were just minor attacks. The highest we recorded in the previous clashes was two lives without destruction of property. How this year’s crisis led to this massive destruction of property is still baffling us”, said a septuagenarian who prayed not to be named in Ifon.  

No fewer than 11 people were killed in the communal clash which started on October 4, 2023. This included four people who were reportedly hit by stray bullet when security operatives were trying to restore peace in the community. The total number of buildings that were razed could not be ascertained but OSUN DEFENDER counted 12 structures, including a church, shops and residentials houses in the two communities. Also, wreckages of 13 vehicles were sighted.

The clash has no doubt rendered many homeless and ruined the means of livelihood of some other victims. None of the two communities could put value at the damaged properties. 

Areas where there was destruction of property in Ilobu are Molete, Ridiwannullahi Apiponroro, Abadata and Araromi, as well as Ganga area. 

Bolorunduro, Ayetoro and Ajegunle are areas where Ifon recorded destruction of property as sighted by OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday. 

Mr Jimoh Yinusa popularly called Engineer is an indigene of Ilobu who had his house at Araromi, Ganga area. Yinusa’s eight-room house was torched during the crisis, rendering him, his three wives and 12 children homeless. Before his house is a road which serves as boundary between Ifon and Ilobu. After the road is Gold Gate School, Ifon. 

Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER,  Yinusa disclosed that it was the first time such incident would happen in the area, describing it as a surprise. He stated that his house was set ablaze at night when the government had declared a curfew.

He said: “I had instructed my wives and children at the early stage of the crisis that they should leave the house whenever they hear gunshots. A day to the incident, some people stationed themselves at the boundary, shooting sporadically. I told my wives and children to leave the home and find a place to stay immediately. I am the night guard of this community; I was patrolling at night when an order came from the Olobu’s palace that everybody should retire home because government had imposed a curfew.

“I left my duty but I didn’t go home; I went to another place to sleep. It was the during the wee hour that people started calling me that my house had been set ablaze. The house had been razed before we got there; it was a devastating experience. We couldn’t take anything out of the house. GS390 machine, sewing machine, grinding machine, motorcycle bought on instalmental payment, among others were part of the other things burnt with the house. The house collapsed the following day when there was a windy rain. I am empty.

“We have no place to sleep; we’re also left with just one clothe. My children don’t even have school uniform again because everything was burnt with the house. I am begging the government and well-meaning individuals to help us. We are hungry and suffering.”

Hassan Sheriff is a 35-year-old furniture maker, who had his shop as a first contact on the right side when entering Ifon from Ilobu. His shop was razed during the clash; leaving him jobless.

He said: “The incident happened unexpectedly but I thank God it didn’t claim my life but just property. A day before my shop was burnt, I went to Osogbo to get some materials and on my way coming back, I was told not to enter Ifon; that there was crisis. I had to stay in Osogbo. Early the following morning, one of my apprentices called to inform me that my shop has been razed. I lost all my goods, machines and equipment worth over N12m to the incident. I obtained loan to run the furniture business; the communal clash has ruined everything and I am now jobless and hopeless. It is such a terrible experience. People should come to our aid; we need help.” 

A phone accessory dealer, Lawal Abiodun, is also a victim of the clash. His shop located at Bolorunduro area of Ifon was burnt. He valued items in the shop at about N2m. Narrating his ordeal, Abiodun said: “Around midnight of the 5th of October, a customer opposite my shop called to inform me that my shop had been set on fire. I came around 6am and I saw that my shop has been razed. It was during the curfew period. I sell phones, phone accessories, GoTv and Startimes.

“The items in the shop were about N2m, majority of them were procured on loan. There was about N300,000 cash in my shop on the day of the incident. There is no help since the incident happened; I have to get a chair and table to be doing Point Of Sales service. I have some friends who offered me daily loan; I returned the money at night everyday. We submitted a report to the Ifon police station but since then, we have not heard anything about it.”

For Mrs Ganiyat Adebayo, life has been hellish for her after the crisis, following the destruction of her shop which was her only source of income. Adebayo, a 62-year-old widow taking care of her grandchildren whose father is late, said she could no longer afford to eat again as there was no means of getting money. Her only shop, located at Bolorunduro area, Ifon, was razed.

She said: “The assailants arrived around 11:30 pm that day and started shooting sporadically. They chased the Amotekun officers at the junction with guns. I couldn’t come out from the house early in the morning due to the fear of what happened the previous night until some people came to call me that my shop had been burnt. 

“I rushed out and I fainted when I saw my razed shop.I was later revived and during the period, these guys came back with guns again and we had to scamper for safety. I just bought goods in my shop with the thrift I collected. I don’t know how I’m going to return the money back. I was selling clothes, bags and shoes. The goods in my shop was close to N500,000 and everything is gone. The police told me to write a statement but since then, nothing has been done. I am appealing to the government and individuals to come to my aid. I have two grandchildren I am taking care of; their father is late. We can’t afford to eat again.” 

Beyond killing and destruction of properties, OSUN DEFENDER gathered that there were reports of looting of farms and destruction of cash crops in some settlements. Ilobu indigenes claimed that their houses at Bara Odunayo, Wale, Oloso, Idi Iroko, Ojeyemi, Bada, Abebi and Toluade villages have been burnt while their farms have also been looted. One of the victims of such is Alh. Muibi Oladapo, popularly known as Alhaji Ero in Ilobu. According to him, his three acres of yam and two acres of cassava farms at Alaiko were looted during the crisis.

He said, “I have farms at Alaiko which belongs to Ifon. When the crisis started; we were warned not to go into the farm. Some days later, we received reports that our farms have been looted. Those people went to my farm with truck to steal yams and cassava. I went to the farm on Tuesday with some journalists from Osogbo to know the level of damage to the farm. Incidentally, we met some gun wielding men; they were about eight on the farm. They threatened to kill us if we didn’t leave the farm; that there was an order not to allow anybody who is not an indigene of Ifon into the farm. I reported the case at Ifon Divisional headquarters. What was looted in my farm is close to N10m.”

Mutual Suspicion, Threat, Destruction, Restrictions Persist After Peace Accord

Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that the dust of clash has not finally settled between the two communities. Though there is peace within the communities, there is noticeable mutual suspicion between the two communities, especially at the boundary areas when the medium visited on Tuesday. Except with a vehicles, none of the indigenes of the two communities could walk through either Ifon or Ilobu. Indigenes of the two communities were also mindful of the areas to go when it is necessary for them to visit the other town. 

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that there are threats, intimidation and restriction of farmers in some farm settlements belonging to both Ifon and Ilobu. 

According to findings, some farmers who are Ilobu indigenes farming at Bara Odunayo, Wale, Oloso, Idi Iroko, Ojeyemi, Bada, Abebi and Toluade villages which belong to Ifon were not allowed into the villages again even with the peace accord. 

An Ilobu indigene who craved anonymity alleged that Ifon community has raised a task force to secure all the settlements where Ilobu indigenes are farming. He said: “We are not being allowed to enter our farms again. I have on two different occasions attempted to enter my farm but I would always meet some men, armed with guns, cutlasses and charms at the entrance. They threatened to kill me; they told me there was an order not to allow us into the farm again.”

Reacting to the claim, a traditional chief in Ifon who prayed not to be named told OSUN DEFENDER that the community took the step to secure its people and lands at the villages.

According to him, “It is true that Ifon has raised a task force in all the villages. It is also true that the farmers (Ilobu people) are not being allowed to enter their farms again because they pose serious threat to us. The land upon which these Ilobu people are farming belongs to Ifon and some of these farmers were recruited to fight us in the town during the crisis, not minding that they are farming on our land.

“We have reports that some of them were returning to farms with guns; that is a threat to us. We want to secure our people and our land. We want to redefine everything for a lasting peace. It is just that only the Olufon has the authority to do what we want to do; so they have to wait. They should stay away for now.”

I’m Still Being Threatened Not Enter Okanla – Prince Kadri

Prince Jimoh Kadri of Okanla community alleged that he was being threatened not to return home by some people in Ilobu after he has been displaced. 

Kadri who was the earliest victim of the clash between Ifon and Ilobu, also claimed that his farm at Abepe village has been destroyed by some people suspected to be Ilobu indigenes. 

It would be recalled that Kadri’s nephew, Qudus Ibrahim, was killed and burnt by some assailants who were trailing his uncle on September 17, 2023. The Olokanla’s palace and a Toyota camry car were also razed by the assailants. 

Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, Kadri said: “After the peace accord agreement with Ifon and Ilobu, some people still went to our farms to destroy properties. They are cutting down all cash crops; that’s going on as I speak. We have written a petition to the police on that. 

“After we signed an undertaking, these people went to my farm and the other one belonging to my brother to destroy crops. The farm is a mechanised one. The farm is located at Abepe area, Okanla. Those seen around the farm are from Ilobu. They have destroyed about seven hectares of Cocoa and Kolanut farm. They cut down all the cash crops on the farm.

“I haven’t set my eyes on my family since they burnt my palace. We are all displaced. Yet, they are still threatening to kill us whenever they find us. In fact, I wanted to visit the scene where my property was burnt, I couldn’t go there. I have been going around with just a cloth. I don’t know the whereabout of my wife and children since that day. We only converse on telephone. I am presently in Lagos State.”

Ilobu, Ifon Speak On Life After Crisis 

However, both Ilobu and Ifon communities maintained that peace have been restored in the towns, just as they commended the security operatives. 

Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, the Otun Jagun of Ifon, Chief Rauf Ogunsola, called on the state government to support the victims of the crisis and help the farmers who were not being allowed to enter their farms. 

Ogunsola said: “Within the metropolis of the two communities, we do not have any security challenge as at now. The security agencies are up to the task. They are patrolling the places, especially the trouble spots at all time and they ensure that people comply with the curfew declared by the state government. But within the rural communities of the two towns, in the villages, I can say authoritatively that there is no peace there yet. 

“Those who farm or live there could not go back to their villages or farms. And on daily basis, they steal their farm produce. They set their houses and other properties ablaze. They even cut trees of cash crops in villages like Ologele, Abebi, Baara Oloso, Baara Odunayo, Wale, Idiroko, Bada, Ojeyemi, Gbere, Isangbe and Alaiko. People could not go back to their farms and each time they go there, they meet men who are armed with guns and other dangerous weapons who turn them back and tell them not to come to the farm again. 

“We want to appeal to the Osun State government to come to the aid of these villagers because they do not have other means of livelihood than farming.”

Speaking on the level of destruction, Ogunsola said: “The destruction is so massive. The only thing is that it is not in a conspicuous place. It is when you go into the town that you will see the level of destruction. About 10 houses were burnt at Golden Gate and Ganga areas of Ilobu. For now, unofficially, about seven people died.”

Providing clues on ensuring sustainable peace, the chief said: “What could be permanent solution between the two communities is more efforts by the Osun government and security agencies; by inviting stakeholders regularly to have assessment of the situation from those who are directly affected by the clash. They should not rely on information they have from somebody. They should always call the leaders of the two communities to post-peace accord meeting, so they can assess the situation and give them the feedback. 

“Currently, I could describe what is happening in the two communities as a graveyard peace because when you say you sign a peace accord and you still don’t allow people to have access to their property, could you say there’s peace? That is a problem. But up to this moment, nobody is raising arms against one another within the town. There is free flow of vehicles and human beings. But people are still suspicious of one another. There’s still mutual suspicion.”

The Secretary, Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union, Prince Jide Akinyooye, urged the state government and individuals to help the victims of the clash, saying majority of them are homeless and helpless. 

Akinyooye also called on the government to look into the genesis of the crisis and address the root cause for sustainable peace. 

Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, the prince said: “We are expecting and appealing to the state government to look at the root of the crisis so that it can be properly addressed.

“Secondly, we are appealing to the government, the politicians and well-meaning individuals to help those people who are directly affected by the communal clash. 

“There were two old women in our family house that was burnt. Those women are managing with their friends currently. Some of the victims have become homeless.

“The government must try as much as possible to make sure that the security agencies investigate and identify those people who spearheaded the crisis so that they can be brought to book. 

“I’m using this opportunity to appeal to the government to first, call a meeting that comprises the people that matter from Okanla, Ifon and Ilobu and if possible, Erin for a genuine peace discussion, and immediately after the meeting, they should lift the curfew and withdraw the security agencies. 

“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to the Nigerian Army through the Osun State Government that the Orolu people are eagerly waiting to host whatever facility they want to build. Orolu is ready to give them land to do it but not necessarily in Opapa, the restricted area.”

On the security report of the area after the peace accord, Akinyooye said: “On the 19th of October, after the peace accord, Ilobu people went to Opapa land to excavate sand. But instead of us to scare them away, we reported to the government. 

“About four or five days ago, Ilobu people went to a place we call Igbo Imiesin, and cut down some cash crop trees. We have sent a letter to the office of the Governor on this also.  

“We want the government to call the Olobu and commit him to genuine peace discussion.”

Osun Defender Editor, Reporters Escape Attack 

While tracing the victims of the clash, especially those at the villages, OSUN DEFENDER team which included the Editor, Ismaeel Uthman, Yusuf Oketola and Kazeem Badmus, escaped an attack on them by some gunmen on a farm. 

The team had embarked on a sight visitation to a yam and cassava farm at Alaiko with the owner.

Less than a minute after getting to the farm, three armed men suddenly surfaced from the bush. OSUN DEFENDER team sighted five other men carrying guns at no far distance to the first three. They were led by a light skinned man with a scary look.  

Leader of the gunmen: “Stop there; who are you; what are you looking for? 

“I am the owner of the farm”, responded the owner.

Leader of the gunmen: “Are you an Ifon or Ilobu indigene?

“I said I am the owner of the farm”, the owner insisted. 

Leader of the gunmen: “Whose farm? Is it your father that owns the land? Go back before we shoot you. You must be crazy. How did you enter the farm? Who allowed you to enter. There is an order that nobody must be allowed to enter the farm again.”

Two other gunmen were charging towards the owner and OSUN DEFENDER team with guns and cutlasses in their hands, but their leader cautioned them; asking them to exercise patience.

The owner of the farm explained that some people from Osogbo followed him to the farm to assess the level of destruction, a statement that further infuriated the gunmen. 

The leader of the team pulled his gun trigger and threatened to shoot if the owner and other people didn’t vacate the farm. 

OSUN DEFENDER editor also explained to the gunmen that the medium had embarked on a spot assessment of destructions in both Ifon and Ilobu. He told the gunmen that the medium needed to be sure of the claim of each of the victims, hence the need for a sight visitation to the farm. 

“Is it their father’s land that was destroyed? There is no access to the farm for now. That is the order”, the gunmen insisted. 

The owner of the farm went to report the case at the Ifon Police headquarters after leaving the farm.