By Adeyinka Adeniran
Peace was reportedly shattered in Iwerele, Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State, at the weekend as the community was thrown into mourning following the reported death of no fewer than three persons.
The death, it was gathered was occasioned by clash between Oodua Peoples’ Congress, Amotekun corps, Operation Burst, Soludero and a group of herdsmen.
As gathered, the clash was caused by a titled Chief in the community, but the claim could not be confirmed as at the time of the report.
A source who resides in the area said a group of herdsmen had invaded a farm in the community with their cattle and grazed on it, a situation which led to the demise of the owner of the farm after an argument ensued.
It was gathered that combined security operatives of Operation Burst, OPC, Amotekun and Soludero were informed to restore peace in the area but they were allegedly ambushed by herdsmen.
The number of those killed is yet to be ascertained.
The National Publicity Secretary of Oodua Peoples Congress, (OPC), New Era, Comrade Shina Akinpelu, said the crisis started about five days ago.
Akinpelu said: ”The crisis started about five days. Our members are involved. Police officers are involved. The police and our OPC leaders in the council are investigating the matter to ascertain the number of those that died. We are expecting updates from them”.
The Commandant of Oyo State Security Network, Amotekun Corps, Col Olayinka Olayanju (Rtd) said he was not aware of the matter.
When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, CP Fatai Owoseni {Rtd}, referred the reporter to contact the state police commissioner.
However, all efforts to get the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso’s reaction were abortive as his phones were not connecting as at press time.
