Police Avert Clashes Over Disputed Land In Oyo

Oyo State Police Command has averted communal clashes among three communities over a disputed land.

The command’s spokesman, Alayande Olayinka, a deputy superintendent of police, said in a statement yesterday that in a demonstration of its proactive and intelligence-driven policing strategy, the command facilitated a peace accord between the Ito and Sando Aare community quarters of Ofiki land.

According to him, acting on specific directives from the commissioner of police, Femi Haruna, the deputy commissioner of police in charge of State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) convened the meeting at the Conference Hall, State Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.

He said representatives of the State Intelligence Department, Legal, Operations, and other relevant departments were also in attendance to ensure a comprehensive and lawful resolution of the dispute.

He explained that the dispute concerns a tract of land known as Amosiko, divided into three parts, Ito, Agere, and Sando, each with recognised traditional authority.

“While this land was peacefully managed for decades under the late Oloto, tensions escalated following his demise in 2025.

“Conflicting claims arose over mosque management, farming rights, and land allocation. Initial mediation efforts were complicated when one party opted to take the matter to court, undermining early attempts to maintain peace”, he said.

“Both parties agreed to refrain from encroachment on the disputed land, and it was emphasised that no leasing, sale, or unauthorised activity should occur without proper Local or State Government approval.

“The communities also pledged to halt illegal mining or construction, and all participants signed a letter of undertaking affirming their commitment to these directives.

“The successful mediation underscores the effectiveness of the Command’s intelligence-led, proactive policing approach, which leverages early engagement, strategic intervention, and collaboration with traditional institutions to prevent disputes from escalating into violence.

“By intervening promptly, the Command has protected lives, property, and community harmony”