Suspected Thugs From Kwara Attack, Destroy LG Secretariat In Ekiti

By Ayodele Oni

Taking advantage of porous borders, some hoodlums from neighbouring Obbo Auyegunle in Kwara State attacked the Secretariat of Ilejemeje Local Government, Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State on Tuesday.

The early morning attack left some victims, mostly Council workers with injuries, while some residents’ houses were also attacked.

It was gathered that the invaders came on motorcycles and started shooting sporadically which resulted in the destruction of windows and doors of the Secretariat.

They also went as far as attacking some farmers on their farms, destroyed their crops and beat some of them mercilessly.

Eda Oniyo and Obbo Aiyegunle have been in contention over a parcel of land between them despite noticeable pillars demarcating the boundary.

The latest incident, according to report, was ignited by the decision of Ekiti State Government to lease out part of the land to private individuals for farming.

Caterpillars were rolled out last week to clear the leased area during which some cashew trees owned by the Obbo Ayegunle farmers were uprooted.

The Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba J.O. Awolola stated that with the development, there was need for security outfits to mobilize more officers to the community to prevent further attacks.

On his own, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Mr Alaba Dada expressed shock over the incident adding that security agents had been mobilized to the town.

He said there is need for the Ekiti and Kwara Governments to meet to settle the land dispute in the interest of peace and harmonious relationship.