The war-torn Ile-Ife and Modakeke towns in Osun State were soaked in tension on Friday as five persons were killed by unknown assailants.
The residents of Modakeke said the corpses of the five persons were discovered at Toro road in Modakeke.
One of the residents, who preferred anonymity, said the corpses were discovered by farmers.
Some residents residents were apprehensive that the incident might trigger another war.
The matter was reported to police and the corpses were evacuated to mortuary.
The State Police Command said it has deployed policemen to the area to prevent break down of law and order.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the the death of the five persons but did not give details.
Ife and Modakeke fought communal war for many years and residents were apprehensive that any slight crisis might trigger another war in the area.