The Member representing Akoko South/East and South/West Federal Constituency, Asiwaju Adegboyega Adefarati, has appealed to the warring communities in Oka-Akoko, to Sheathe their sword and allow peace reign.
Two persons were reportedly killed, many injured and houses razed during a communal clash in three communities in Akoko South West.
In a statement made available to Newsmen in Akure the state capital, Adefarati, that he received “the news of the violent communal clash between Owake and Ebo communities in Iwaro-Oka, which has reportedly claimed lives, maimed several people, destroyed houses and plantations, with rude shock and discomfort.
In his message to the warring communities, signed by his media aide Oluwole Ehinola, the lawmaker, maintained that the “fratricide is the most unimaginable and dastardly act that a man can commit.
The lawmaker therefore appealed to the communities to shield their swords to give peace a chance.
Adefarati empathized “with the families that lost their loved ones and those who lost valuables to the crisis and calls on security agents, traditional and religious leaders to intervene and ensure quick rapprochement between or among the warring communities. Peace, we desire!.
Contacted, the state police image maker, Funmi Odunlami, said that “the clash started on January 12th, 2025 when youths from Oka Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by youths from Ebo community.
Odunlami added that “The Ebo youths were said to have mistaken them for individuals from Owake, with whom they have an unresolved land dispute.
” In retaliation, Oka Odo youths mobilized and invaded the Ebo community, leading to incidents of arson.
“The conflict led to casualties on both sides leading to death of 2 persons (names and identities unknown), while the injured, are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
“A police team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP Ops), has been deployed to the area to restore peace and prevent further escalation.
“The Commissioner of Police, urges the communities to seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes to avoid further loss of lives and property while assuring residents that the police would ensure that the perpetrators of violence on both sides are brought to justice.
The police commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi, urged all parties involved to sheath their sword, as violence and property destruction would only result in stagnation and underdevelopment.
