The lingering crisis between the two communities of Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti state, and the Obo Ayegunle, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara over land dispute took a new dimension at the weekend resulting in loss of live and injuries to others.
Nigerian Tribune recalled that the two neighbouring communities had been at loggerheads over issues relating to lands, with both towns claiming ownership of the land in dispute.
In April, hoodlums allegedly from the Kwara community stormed the Ilejemeje Local Government secretariat in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti where several people were injured and property destroyed.
In the latest attack at the weekend, it was gathered that gunmen also stormed the community killing one person and inflicting life-threatening injuries on other people during the fracas.
This development has made combined team of security agencies including police, military, and the Amotekun corps deploy operatives to the community to prevent the breakdown of law and order and the possible reprisal attacks.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Sunday Abutu confirmed the attack and the killing in the Ekiti community, adding that the perpetrators would soon be arrested and prosecuted.
He said,” The command is not unaware of the incident that occurred at Eda Oniyo-Ekiti yesterday(Saturday) where suspected armed hoodlums invaded part of the community and fatally injured one person and left two seriously wounded.
“The CP, the army commander in Ekiti as well as the Ekiti State Government representatives have visited the scene to assess the situation and proffer a lasting solution as well as ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book.
“Adequate operatives that include the police and the military have been deployed to that exist to ensure maximum security for the people of Eda Oniyo-Ekiti.
“Members of the public especially the people of Eda Oniyo-Ekiti are implored to be calm and avoid taking laws into their hands as the Command will ensure the arrest and prosection of those behind the attack.”
Also, the commissioner for Information in Ekiti state, Taiwo Olatunbosun who confirmed the attack and death of one person, appealed to the people to remain calm, assuring them that government would soon address the situation.
The Commissioner however assured that additional troops had already moved to the area to protect the community while the Army formation in Kwara has been contacted to deploy troops along Kwara side of the border in order to curtail further attacks from both sides.
Reiterating the commitment of the Ekiti State Government to fostering peace and security across the State, Olatunbosun stressed the need for calm while the security agencies take charge of the situation, assuring that the perpetrators and their accomplices would be fished out and brought to justice.
He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the quick recovery of those affected by the incident.
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