Osun State, Nigeria – A lingering land dispute between the neighboring villages of Paku and Offa-Igbo has erupted into violence, resulting in loss of life and property.
The clash occurred on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 between 6am and 7am when farmers from Paku village were reportedly attacked by thugs from Offa-Igbo while harvesting palm kernels on their farm. One person, Toheeb Adewale, a student at Al-Ummah College of Education, was killed in the attack. Several others were injured and homes were burned down.
The community heads from both villages have provided conflicting accounts, each blaming the other side for instigating the violence. Paku village head, Chief Isiaka Akinronbi, has accused Prince Akeem Adeboye, son of the late Olofa of Offa-Igbo, of masterminding the attack. However, Adeboye denies the allegations, stating instead that it was the Paku villagers who attacked his farm and killed two of his security guards.
Adeboye claims his life is under threat from the community head of the neighboring Papa village, Chief Ademola Adegoke, who he alleges has been mobilizing groups to attack his farm. Adegoke has denied these allegations, accusing Adeboye of terrorizing several villages in the Iwo area.
The Osun State Amotekun Corps Commandant, Bashir Adewinbi, has denied involvement of his men in the attack, stating that they were called in by Paku villagers to provide protection after they were assaulted by people from Oyo State.
The Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, has confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing. With the dueling claims and counterclaims, the police have a complex situation to unravel as they work to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding this deadly clash between the two villages.
