Ondo Police Command Douses Tension Over Reported Clashes In Two Communities

By Ayodele Oni

Gale of bloody clashes have been reported in some parts of Ondo state, leaving one person dead.

The incidents happened at Ogbese where the death was recorded in a clash between Fulani and Hausa settlers that engaged in a bloody clash at a popular Market in Akure North Area of Ondo State.

The incident which, started on Tuesday evening and snowballed into a full blown crisis by Wednesday morning, led to the burning down of several shops at the market.

A source said the clash was ignited by a fight between the Fulani settlers in the commercial town.

Another incident at  Ikare-Akoko in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo, was a pandemonium that resorted to sporadic shooting by two rival groups in the area.

It was learnt that the bloody crisis left life-threatening injuries on some members of the duo groups.

It was further gathered that an attempt by a group of youths to stage New Year Carnival at Okoja area which attracted resistance from an opposing section of the community led to the melee.

The town had been engulfed in communal crisis for sometimes which also led to the closure of the Ikare central mosque for several months.

The state police command through the Public Relations Officer, Funmi Odunlami Omisanya, in a reaction however explained that “no clash between Hausa/Fulani in Ogbese. The police got a report that about eight shops were razed by fire at midnight with accusing fingers being pointed at a particular extraction.

“On the issue of Ikare clash, the warring parties have been warned to maintain peace.  Police and soldiers are patrolling the town to ensure law and order within the area. Thanks.”