Kwara communities clash over land ownership

A communal clash has ensued between Offa in Offa local government and Ijagbo in Oyun local government areas of Kwara state over land ownership.
The clash according to sources over the said parcel of land in an area called Tade and Adeleke has been on for the past ten years where mutual understanding has been reached twice.

Another source also said that the fight was between one family from Offa and another family from Ijagbo on the said land which was taken to court.
He added that the judgment by the court favours the Offa family while the other party feel agrieved over the judgment.

It was reported that some youths from Offa stormed the disputed area earlier this morning and started destroying residential and community hall built on the land while Ijagbo youths also retaliated.
It was also gathered that effort by the police to calm the situation prove abortive which led to drafting of Naval Officers to calm the situation.

It was also learnt that the roads leading to the two communities were littered with burnt tyres while gunshots were heard that injured three people who have been taken to the hospital.
Human and vehicular movement have been restricted in the area.

The state police public relations officer, Ajayi Okasanmi said the situation is under control as the police trying to ensure the crisis does not escalte.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has warned that it will deal decisively with perpetrators of communal clash between Offa in Offa Local government area and Ijagbo in Oyun Local government area of the state.
Governor Ahmed, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, expressed concern over the unwarranted and absolutely avoidable acts in the two communities.
He expressed concerns that some individuals could take laws into their hands despite various established platforms to seek redress and settle emerging communal matters.
The Governor directed security agencies in the state to arrest and bring perpetrators of the crises to justice, and restore law and order in the communities as, according to the governor, "government will not allow any breach of peace, harmony and tranquility under any guise in the state".
Governor Ahmed who assured Kwarans that his administration would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property for economic growth and overall development, said security agencies in the state are fully in charge of the situation.