AKURE – Two people have been confirmed dead by the police and several others injured in a communal clash that involved three communities in Oka-Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The clash stemmed from mistaken identify by some youths from Ebo community who allegedly attacked some youths from Oka Odo, who were on hunting expedition on Sunday.
Sources revealed that the Ebo youths thought the Oka Odo youths who were on hunting expedition were from Owake, another community, who they have unresolved feud with.
This led to serious clash between the youths of the communities during which two persons were killed and property destroyed.
Confirming the development, the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, in a statement signed by the spokesperson to the state Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, a Chief Superintendent of Police, on Monday, said two persons died in the clash.
He called on the youth of the three communities, Oka Odo, Ebo, and Owake communities in Iwaro to sheathe their swords.
The CP cautioned that “violence and property destruction would only result in stagnation and underdevelopment.”
The statement reads in part: “The clash started on January 12, 2025, when youths from Oka Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by youths from Ebo. The Ebo youths were said to have mistaken them for individuals from Owake, with whom they have an unresolved land dispute.
“In retaliation, Oka Odo youths mobilised and invaded the Ebo community, leading to incidents of arson.
“The conflict led to casualties on both sides leading to death of two persons (names and identities unknown), while the injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
“A police team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP Ops), has been deployed to the area to restore peace and prevent further escalation.
“The CP urges the communities to seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes to avoid further loss of lives and property while assuring residents that the police would ensure that the perpetrators of violence on both sides are brought to justice.”
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