Seven Arrested Over Fatal Communal Clash in Ondo, Five Dead
The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven individuals in connection with a deadly communal clash that erupted in the Gbalegi community, located in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State. The violent altercation, which reportedly resulted in the death of at least five people, is believed to have been sparked by a long-standing boundary dispute between the Idanre and Akure communities.
Reports indicate that tensions had been simmering in the area for days before the crisis reached a boiling point on Friday. A reliable source revealed that the victims' bodies were initially taken to a nearby police station before being moved to the morgue of a hospital in Akure.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, stated that the command acted swiftly after receiving reports of the unrest. “We received a distress call that a group of thugs had mobilized to the Gbalegi area, a disputed land between Akure and Idanre, where they were attacking residents. Upon receiving the information, the police promptly dispatched officers to the scene to contain the situation,” she said.
During the operation, seven suspects were arrested. Police recovered a significant cache of weapons, including seven single-barrel guns, various charms, live ammunition, and expended cartridges. Additionally, a search of the surrounding bush led to the discovery of four corpses bearing gunshot wounds, further confirming the scale of the violence.
Odunlami stressed that the Commissioner of Police has issued a strong warning against using violence as a means to settle disputes. “The Commissioner of Police has called for caution and advised all parties involved in land or boundary disputes to seek redress through the law courts rather than resorting to self-help or violence,” she stated.
The incident has left the affected communities in shock, as authorities work to prevent further escalation. The police spokesperson assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects in custody will face the full weight of the law.
Meanwhile, residents and community leaders have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure peace is restored to the troubled area.
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