The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed that two policemen and one Naval rating sustained injuries during a communal clash that erupted Wednesday morning between Offa and Ijagbo communities in Kwara South.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lawan Ado, who made this known via a statement issued this afternoon by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Okasanmi Ajayi.
Ado explained that at about 8 am, the Command received report that a land dispute between the two communities was getting out of hands, which necessitated the Chairman of Oyun local government to organized peace meeting, which was attended by relevant stakeholders and the area commander.
The police boss said violence however erupted while the meeting was on and sounds of gun fire by some hoodlums rented the air. He added that the hoodlums shot at the security agents deployed to maintain peace and that in the process, two policemen and a Naval rating were injured.
According to him, the injured security officials have been rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The CP also disclosed that no civilian casualty was recorded and that more policemen have been drafted to the crisis area to maintain peace. Ado added that some suspects have been arrested and are helping the police in investigation.
He assured members of the public of their safety, while advising the citizens of the two communities to embrace peace as anybody arrested for breaking the law and order will be dealt with in accordance to the laws of the land, please.
Meanwhile, the State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has warned that he will deal decisively with perpetrators of communal clash between Offa in Offa Local government area and Ijagbo in Oyun Local government area of the state.
Governor Ahmed, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, expressed concern over the unwarranted and absolutely avoidable acts in the two communities.
He expressed concerns that some individuals could take laws into their hands despite various established platforms to seek redress and settle emerging communal matters.
The Governor directed security agencies in the state to arrest and bring perpetrators of the crises to justice, and restore law and order in the communities as, according to the governor, “government will not allow any breach of peace, harmony and tranquility under any guise in the state”.
Governor Ahmed who assured Kwarans that his administration would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property for economic growth and overall development, said security agencies in the state are fully in charge of the situation.
Reporter: sulaiman Adetunji
