Seven police operatives have been shot during a violent communal clash between residents of Ido-Ijesa and Esa-Oke in Osun State.
Problem started following the appointment of a new monarch for the Ido-Ajegunle community by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Governor Adeleke had approved the installation of Prince Timileyin Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido-Ajegunle, a neighbouring community to Esa-Oke.
However, residents of Esa-Oke vehemently kicked against the decision, arguing that the new king hails from Ilesa and is not indigenous to their town.
A top security source who doesn’t want to be quoted revealed that tensions escalated after vigilantes allegedly brought in by the new paramount ruler were arrested by the police four days ago.
While confirming the incident, Osun State Police Command image maker, Yemisi Opalola said that seven officers sustained gunshot wounds during the violent face-off.
At the time of filing this report, security forces have since been deployed to restore order in the affected areas.
She said, “Police operatives have been deployed to restore peace. Seven policemen were shot when they first arrived in the community.
“When we heard that there was a crisis in the community, we deployed our men to the communities, then they were ambushed. The policemen were trying to clear the trees that fell on their path when they were ambushed. The bullet hit one of them on the neck.”