5 Dead, 10 Injured In Ondo Land Dispute Between Akure And Idanre Communities

A deadly land dispute between Akure and Idanre communities in Ondo State has left five dead and ten injured. Read the full details, including police interventions and arrests.

A violent land dispute between Akure and Idanre communities in Ondo State has tragically resulted in five fatalities and left ten individuals injured. The longstanding conflict over ownership of Gbalegi village escalated on Friday, leading to deadly clashes.

Tension Builds Before Deadly Clash

Reports indicate that tensions had been simmering for days before violence erupted. The two communities have disputed the ownership of Gbalegi village for years, with Friday’s incident marking a tragic escalation.

Police Arrest Seven Suspects with Weapons

Following the clash, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of seven suspects. According to police spokesperson Funmi Odunlami, those apprehended were found in possession of charms, seven single-barrel guns, live ammunition, and expended cartridges. Officers also discovered four bullet-riddled bodies in nearby bushes during their search.

Community in Shock as Residents Flee

In the aftermath, Gbalegi village has been deserted, with residents fleeing the area for safety. Police detectives have since been deployed to restore calm and prevent further violence.

Eyewitness accounts described how enraged youths transported the bodies of the deceased to a police station, protesting the killings before moving the corpses to the state specialist hospital morgue in Akure.

Police Urge Legal Resolution to Disputes

State Police Commissioner Wilfred Afolabi has condemned the violence, urging both communities to seek peaceful and legal resolutions for boundary conflicts instead of resorting to bloodshed.