32 arrested as residents flee Ondo warring communities
The Ondo State Police Command on Tuesday said it had arrested no fewer than 32 persons in connection with the violence that occurred in the state late Sunday evening.
This is as residents of the warring communities have fled for fear of reprisals.
The communal crisis happened between the Owake and Ebo communities in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State during which two persons reportedly lost their lives in the clash and many sustained injuries while many buildings were razed down.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed this when he led top police officials to the affected communities on Tuesday and said the suspects would soon be charged in court.
Afolabi said, “We currently have 32 suspects in custody. So far, the records indicate that two people were reportedly killed. At this stage, it’s very disappointing, and disheartening. This crisis didn’t come out of nowhere; it was created.
“Look around, how many people do you see? That’s what peace is about. Once it’s lost, even simple activities like going to the farm become difficult. A lot of things get paralysed.
“My advice to those fueling this crisis is to embrace peace. In the end, when the chips are down, they will be the ones to lose. The prompt deployment of the police helped to control the situation, and they deserve commendation for that. From what I’ve observed in this state, most crises arise without any clear warning. Had this conflict shown any signs earlier, the police would have acted swiftly to prevent it.
“This crisis started when youths from Igbo went on a hunting expedition in Owake. Unfortunately, they were mistaken as individuals involved in a land dispute, but they were innocent. Following that, they were attacked, and that incident became the genesis of this conflict.”
The police boss noted that those arrested were caught in the act, stating that they would soon be charged in court.
“These arrests weren’t random, many of them were caught in the act. I can assure you they will face prosecution. The evidence against them is overwhelming, and I’m confident we will secure convictions. This will keep them out of circulation for a while and hopefully, it will serve as a lesson to pursue peace,” Afolabi stated.
PUNCH Metro gathered during a visit to the town that many residents of the affected communities had fled for fear of reprisal and police arrest, only a few children and old people were seen around.
