Ifon/Ilobu: Residents Flee, Four Policemen Shot, Corps Members Evacuated

Many residents of Ilobu and Ifon communities in Osun State have fled their houses, following deadly clashes between the two towns.

OSUN DEFENDER also gathered that serving corps members in the affected areas were being evacuated by the state government.

Meanwhile, the state Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola has confirmed that four of their officers including the Ilobu Divisional Police Officer were shot and are currently in the hospital.

She said the police were ambushed while trying to broker peace, adding that one of their vans was burnt.

She said, “They burnt a new patrol van of police yesterday (Wednesday).

“They alleged we are taking sides. It is unfortunate that the Monitoring Section van that was donated to us was burnt. Our four men are in hospital now, they were shot.

“The Divisional police officer of Ilobu was among those who were shot. He was shot in the hand. But thanks to God, they are all responding to treatment. They ambushed policemen when our men attempted to broker peace in the area”.

Also, a corps member, simply identified as Cynthia, said “I am serving in Ifon and because of the fight, all of us corps members serving in the town are being moved out to another place.”

• Kazeem Badmus