In Osun State, a potential communal crisis is on the horizon as unidentified gunmen have killed a 28-year-old farmer, Sodiq Alamu, over a disputed piece of land, intensifying the ongoing dispute between Ilobu and Ifon-Orolu.
The Ilobu community, located in the Irepodun local government area, and Ifon of Orolu local government area have been locked in a longstanding dispute over land ownership. According to reports from The Nation, two weeks ago, the Ilobu community raised concerns, alleging that Ifon-Orolu was plotting to instigate violence in some parts of the contested Opapa area.
Tairu Babatunde, the Public Relations Officer of the Ilobu-Asake Development Union, disclosed that Sodiq Alamu, a resident of Aganna’s compound in Ilobu, was killed by unknown gunmen on his farm near the Opapa area of the community on Friday, September 15, 2023.
“Eesa of Ifon-Osun, Babatunde Oyetunji, and a Prince of Ifon-Osun, Jide Akinyooye have finally carried out their threats by killing an indigene of Ilobu identified as Sodiq of Aganna’s. A team of police officers led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ilobu have removed the corpse. We urge security to arrest the duo,” he said.
The Osun State Police Command has urged residents of Ilobu and Ifon to remain calm while an investigation into Alamu’s killing is underway. SP Opalola Yemisi Olawoyin, the command’s spokesperson, assured the public that they are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Kehinde Longer, has been in discussions with Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, and other key stakeholders, appealing to their subjects to maintain peace and avoid taking the law into their own hands. The police command is committed to unraveling the situation and ensuring that those responsible for the crime face the law.
