JUST-IN: Communal Clash Claims Another 5 Lives In Ondo

No fewer than five persons were on Friday killed in another communal clash that occurred at a boundary community linking Akure and Idanre in Ondo State.

A source informed LEADERSHIP that tension had been mounting for days between the two communities before escalating to a deadly clash on Friday.

Our correspondent gathered that those killed were initially brought to the nearby police station before they were taken to the morgue in Akure.

As of the time of this report, Gbalegi Village where the incident occurred had been deserted.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Ondo State Command, Funmilayo Odunlami- Omisanya said seven (7) people who had charms and seven single-barrel guns with a cache of live ammunition and expended ones have been arrested.

Odunlami-Omisanya hinted that the police further combed the nearby bush areas and found four (4) lifeless bodies with bullet wounds.

According to the PPRO, “The Ondo State Police Command received a distress call that a group of thugs mobilised themselves to the Gbalegi area – a disputed land between Akure and Idanre, attacking the people of the said area.

“The Police on receipt of the information moved to the scene and arrested seven (7) people who had charms and seven single barrel guns with a cache of live ammunition and expended ones, the Police further combed the nearby bush areas and found four (4) corpse with bullet wounds.”

Odunlami-Omisanya, however, said Commissioner of Police has called for caution in handling cases related to boundary issues.

The PPRO further urged the feuding communities over land to approach the law court for proper redress rather than resorting to self-help through violence.