NSCDC Officer Killed, Palace Burnt, Others Injured As Communal Clash Erupts In Osun Communities

An operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command, Shittu Wasiu Kehinde popularly called Kenwask has been killed in a communal squabbles that erupted between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in Ayedaade Local Government Area of the State on Tuesday.

Kehinde, it was gathered died on the spot while another female officer of the agency who was also at the scene of the incident sustained varying degrees of injuries.

One of the palaces in the affected communities was razed down by hoodlums as peace took flight in the areas.

Residents were thrown into intense panic as others have started relocating from their homes for fear of being attacked.

A security source informed our Correspondent that the communal clash was caused by an Obaship selection tussle.

According to the source, the injured NSCDC officers had been rushed to hospital for treatment.

The slain NSCDC officer, an indigene of Osogbo, the capital of Osun has been buried Wednesday morning according to Islamic rite.

While providing information about the cause of the crises, a resident of Araromi Owu, who asked not to be mentioned for security reasons, said, “It was caused by a chieftaincy tussle. Araromi Owu is a settlement in Ago Owu in Ayedaade South LCDA.

“The bone of contention is that an indigene of Orile Owu is being made a Baale of Araromi Owu but some settlers, majorly from Ibadan, are opposing the choice of the appointed Baale claiming that, they are also entitled to the throne.

“The appointed Baale was at Ilofi (seclusion), where traditional rites were performed on him. But the settlers are insisting that he would not be allowed to reign.”

Confirming the crisis in a statement, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said many properties were lost to the violent confrontation.

While calling for calm, Alimi said, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved and directed that security operatives should immediately be stationed in the areas and protect the communities by maintaining law and order.”

The statement read, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for calm between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in Ayedaade local Government area of Osun State.

“He also announced that the government has ordered that the chieftaincy selection process which caused the communal clash, be henceforth suspended.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke has also directed the Special Adviser on Security, Mr. Ojo, to mobilise security operatives to the towns to maintain law and order, that anyone caught not abiding by the law is to be arrested and prosecuted appropriately.

“The government has the duty of protecting the lives and properties of the people of Araromi Owu and Orile Owu in Ayedaade local government, hence directing that any act or movement contrary to peace, and which may lead to breakdown of law and order in the communities, is not acceptable.

“The government particularly commiserates with the families of those who lost their properties in the communal clash, and added that the rift will be duly investigated.

“The government reiterates that peace is germane in every environment, and assured Osun residents of security, while also calling for the support of residents, and urged everyone to embrace peace.”