At least 18 people, including two community chiefs, one head of a hunters’ association, and 15 residents, have been arrested over violence linked to a longstanding boundary and land ownership dispute between Ilobu and Erin-Osun communities in Osun State. The clashes reportedly led to attacks on three police officers.
The arrests followed fresh confrontations involving residents of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun. Video footage circulating online showed a man in a police uniform allegedly being assaulted and forced to kneel during a gathering. A Facebook post accompanying the video stated: “Mob brutalises police constable in Osun community, forces him to kneel and apologise for alleged tear gas shooting in Ilobu-Erin-Osun crisis.”
Earlier incidents tied to the dispute have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property, with four suspects initially arrested. The number has now risen to 18 following the apprehension of 14 additional suspects, including local chiefs, after a fresh clash where weapons were recovered.
The arrested chiefs are the Baale of Apeponroro, Olaitan Bashiru, 53; Baale of Oke Ayepe, Tajudeen Aralamo, 65; and the head of hunters, Oluode of Ilobu, Mustau Salam, 45. Other suspects, aged between 18 and 65, include Jimoh Nurudeen, Adeboye Ashifa, Ajibola Segun, Mustapha Muwaliu, Jimoh Quyum, Ajani Faruq, Musibau Jimoh, Olaniyan Quadri, Fatai Oyawoyin, Basiru Olaogun, Mutairu Olawoyin, Ige Jimoh, Olawoyin Samad, and Tajudeen Taorid.
Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrests and the recovery of a single-barrel gun, a live cartridge, and a cutlass. He said the operation was coordinated by the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, through intelligence-driven investigations.
“The command reiterates its commitment to upholding the human rights of all individuals and assures that those involved will face the full weight of the law,” Ojelabi said. He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies, remain vigilant, and report suspicious activities to help maintain peace in the affected communities.
