Panic As DPO, 3 Policemen Shot, Others Killed As Residents Flee During Clash

During a communal clash between Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun council, and Ifon, the headquarters of Orolu local government areas in Osun State, four policemen, including a Divisional Police Officer, were shot. Arsonists also set fire to the policemen’s patrol van and several houses in the warring communities.

The Osun state government had raised concerns about a potential clash after youths were seen wielding weapons on Wednesday night. Subsequently, the two communities clashed, resulting in the burning of houses and reported casualties among the residents.

Hoodlums ambushed the policemen during the clash, accusing them of favoring one community over the other. The Police Public Relations Officer, Osun State Command, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident, stating that four policemen were shot, and their patrol van was burned. The injured officers, including the Divisional Police Officer of Ilobu, were taken to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.

In response to the situation, the Osun State Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, led a government delegation to the boundary of the warring communities. Corps members were evacuated from the area by security operatives, and residents were observed fleeing the conflict zone.