Four Killed, Homes Razed As Gunmen Attack Osun Community
Osun State Police Command has confirmed that four people were killed on Friday as suspected gunmen attacked Ido Ayegunle, a settlement near Esa Oke town.
The assailants also razed buildings in the community and destroyed residents’ properties during the attack.
OSUN DEFENDER had reported that the people of Esa Oke and Ido Ayegunle have been at loggerheads since January, following the appointment of Prince Oluwatimileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle by the state Government.
Although the identity of who carried out the attack was not immediately known, however, the Obanla of Ido Ayegunle, Ibironke Adebusuyi, alleged in an interview with PUNCH Online that the assailants came from Esa Oke.
Commenting on the latest attack, Adebusuyi said the attackers covered their faces.
He further said, “Our people were in the community yesterday, going about their normal activities when hoodlums numbering about 100 invaded our community. They started shooting. They covered their faces but we could recognise some of them.
“They came from the Esa Oke axis, arriving on motorcycles around 10 am They surrounded our community and killed four people in a brutal manner. They cut the head off one of them and the wrist of another.
“After killing them, they threw their bodies inside a well and used big stones and slabs to cover them. All those killed were from Ido Ayegunle. We are still looking for two people, but four have been confirmed dead. Their remains are at Wesley Guild Hospital morgue in Ilesa.”
He urged the state government to ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
But the Owamiran of Esa Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, dismissed the allegations, saying those accusing his community should provide proof.
“I know nothing about the incident,” Oba Adediran said.
Meanwhile, Oba Adediran was sighted at the premises of the Osun Command headquarters of the Nigeria Police in Osogbo on Friday.
Sources said that during the visit to the command headquarters, the royal father met the State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Gotan, to discuss issues relating to the crises in the area.
Giving an update on the security situation in Ido Ayegunle, Abiodun Ojelabi, the police spokesperson in the state, said the crisis was caused by a disagreement over boundaries.
He confirmed the death of four people.
“It is a continuation of the previous clash; the people have not relented. As of yesterday (Thursday), when it happened, the police swung into action. Our men went to the scene, but the perpetrators fled when they saw the police.
“The CP visited the place today; we have just returned. Four people were killed in the clash. Those deaths were probably caused by the delay before they were taken to the hospital.
“Some houses were burnt, and properties, including bikes, generators, and streetlights, were damaged. Nobody has been arrested yet, but we have recovered some items that could help in our investigation. We are on it, and by God’s grace, those responsible will face the full wrath of the law. Our men are on the ground; the DPO, Area Commander, and tactical team are present,” Ojelabi said.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
