A communal clash has broken out between the Owake and Ebo communities in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, leading to the death of one person.
Several others were injured, and properties, including homes and community structures, were destroyed during the incident.
Reports indicate that the violence escalated on Sunday night when suspected hoodlums from the neighboring Ebo community allegedly attacked Oka-Odo.
Among the properties destroyed was a house belonging to Mr. Omorinbola Francis, also known as Ekoro, which was completely burnt down despite efforts to extinguish the flames.
Residents who sustained injuries were rushed to the newly commissioned Federal Medical Centre in Iwaro-Oka for treatment.
A source speaking anonymously disclosed that the Palace of the Asin of Oka-Odo and a nearby event hall were also targeted and completely destroyed in the clash.
The source stated: “Oka-Odo Community was attacked late Sunday night by suspected hoodlums from Ebo. Both the palace and the event hall have been destroyed, and several houses were set ablaze. Sadly, Mr. Omorinbola Francis’s house was among those burned to the ground, and attempts to control the fire were unsuccessful.”
Earlier, members of the Owake Community had reportedly gone to install signposts along Ikun Road, following an Appeal Court judgment that confirmed their ownership of the disputed land. On their way back, however, they were ambushed by suspected thugs who launched a violent attack, leaving many injured.
The injured residents were later transported to the newly commissioned Federal Medical Centre in GRA for medical care.
Details of later.