One Reportedly killed As Masquerade Festival Turns Violence In Osun Communities

One person has been reportedly killed after Egungun masquerade festival caused a communal clash between two communities; Ikoyi and Apomu in Isokan local government area of Osun State.

It was gathered that the Egungun festival started last Thursday in the two neighbouring communities on a very good note till Sunday when things went awry and led to a brawl.

A resident of the Apomu community Hammed Abidoye explained to our correspondent that altercation ensued between a masquerade of Apomu belonging to a faction of Odua People’s Congress and that of Ikoyi, who is of another faction of Akerele on Sunday.

“Those Egungun and their adherents clashed yesterday (Sunday) around 6:30 PM. I don’t know what caused the fight. One person was killed and the situation is tensed both in Apomu and Ikoyi. Civil Defense people are trying to calm the situation but the situation is serious right now,” he stated.

Aminat, a resident of Ikoyi, stated they burnt houses, shops and other property during the clash.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun Command, Kehinde Adeleke, confirmed the incident.

She noted that “We learnt that one person was killed truly but we haven’t confirmed that.

“The Command has deployed tactical teams to forestall break down of law and order. The team had been briefed to ensure adequate protection of lives and National Assets and infrastructure.

“The tactical team is equipped with the necessary resources and expertise to effectively address the situation on ground and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.” She said.

While speaking with InsightMediaLinks, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Yemisi Opalola said the command has deployed mobile police to the area and normalcy has returned as at Tuesday morning.

She however said the command has not been able to confirm any casualty.

“It’s true a house and a kiosk located at the boundary were burnt by the hoodlums but we can’t confirm death of any one. The Commissioner of Police has deployed mobile police officers to the scenes and normalcy has returned. Investigation is still ongoing.” She said.

Source: InsightMediaLinks