The Osun State Police Command, on Wednesday, said a suspect had been arrested in connection with the alleged killing of a farmer from Ilobu, Sikiru Onaolapo, on his farm in the Oke Ekutu area.
The Oke Ekutu area is one of the settlements located within areas causing disputes between the Ilobu and Ifon-Orolu communities.
Onaolapo’s corpse was taken to the entrance to the Olobu of Ilobu’s palace on Tuesday, with the lifeless body of the farmer laid in a car, leading to tension and raising fear of reprisals.
Also, in video footage obtained by our correspondent, amid wailings, Ilobu residents demanded immediate action from the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke and the security agents to de-escalate tension and prevent reprisal in the area.
While speaking on behalf of the community, Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Leke Ogunsola, alleged that the deceased was shot dead on his farm at Oke Ekutu village by one Muideen Alabata from Ifon town.
“Sikiru Onaolapo is the victim. He hailed from Olobu’s Compound of Ilobu. He went to his farm at Oke Ekutu this morning and he was shot dead. Those close to the scene said the deceased mentioned one Muideen Alabata from Ifon as the person who shot him,” Ogunsola said.
But the allegation was refuted by the Secretary, Board of Trustees, Ifon-Orolu Progressives Union, Jide Akinyooye, who insisted that there was no one bearing Muideen Alabata in Ifon.
Akinyooye however said, “Investigation should be carried out into the incident but I can tell you we don’t have anyone bearing such a name in Ifon. What we know is that some people have been coming to the areas already acquired by the Osun State Government as a buffer zone to buy land and that report was made to the Olufon of Ifon earlier.
“Our king subsequently gave a strict directive that none of his subjects should go near the area already declared a buffer zone by the government. So, no Ifon indigene was involved in such an act.”
Giving an update on the crisis during an interview with TheNigerian Metro on Wednesday, the Osun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, said more personnel had been deployed to Ifon and Ilobu communities to maintain law and order.
Opalola, though refused to disclose the identity of the suspect in police custody, also said the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, had held meetings with the affected communities.
She said, “We have deployed more personnel and tactical team men to the affected community. The CP has also been engaging the communities in meetings.
“We also have in our custody one suspect. We are pressing ahead with our investigation to get to the root of the incident. We are assuring members of the public that we will ensure that justice is served. We also urge them to remain law abiding to enable us to discharge our duties effectively and protect lives and properties.”
