A Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and three other police officers were reportedly shot during a communal clash in Osun State, Nigeria. The clash occurred between Ilobu, headquarters of Irepodun council, and Ifon, headquarters of Orolu local government areas.
The policemen’s patrol van and houses in the warring communities were also razed down by arsonists. The Osun state government had raised an alarm on Wednesday night after youths were seen brandishing weapons. Some residents were reportedly killed during the clash.
According reports, it was mentioned that there was a risk of violence on Wednesday night in Osun state, as some youths were seen carrying weapons. This led to a clash between two communities, where houses were set on fire and some people were killed.
The police tried to intervene and restore peace, but they faced an ambush from some hoodlums who accused them of taking sides. The police spokesperson for Osun state, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that a new patrol van was burnt and four officers were injured by gunshots. She said:
“They burnt a new patrol van of police yesterday. Our four men are in hospital now; they were shot. The Divisional police officer of Ilobu was among those who were shot; he was shot on his hand, but thanks to God, they are all responding to treatment. They ambushed policemen when our men attempted to broker peace in the area.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, spearheaded a government delegation to the border of the clashing communities. In the midst of this, security operatives evacuated members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were serving in these communities. Additionally, local residents began to evacuate the area.