No fewer than two persons have been feared killed in a communal violence between communities beside Akure, the Ondo state capital.
The two communities are Ude and Isinigbo in Akure North Local Government Area.
The insistence by the traditional ruler of Ude, Sunday Boboye, the Ajagun of Ude, that the disputed land was part of his territory, was responsible for violence, sources said.
The Chief fled as angry members of Isinigbo community vandalised and razed the palace.
Roads leading to both communities were sealed off with bonfires as many shops owners quickly closed and ran for their lives.
When journalists visited the area, residents were not seen outside even as some youths were sighted with dangerous weapons.
It was gathered that members of Ishinigbo community trooped out in protest against the Ajagun of Ude for demolishing their houses including buildings belonging to Non-indigenes who bought land many years ago.
The Oluomon of Isinigbo, Oluwole Kareem, said they had to protest to stop continued demolition of their buildings by the Ajagun of Ude.
Oluwole said they were surprised when a case the Isinigbo community had won in 2012 was taken to another court by Boboye and judgment was secured.
He said they have existed on that land for the past 800 years.
According to him, “Boboye came to us that we are occupying the land illegally. He said he has won the case. That judgment is fraudulent. He first came and demolished over 50 houses. We protested like this but the government did not do anything. His lawyer said he was not aware of the demolition. If he had won the case he was supposed to give us time for dialogue. He did not give us that chance.
“Last Thursday, he went to demolish over 150 building including my house. He is used to bringing thugs and fake policemen. Apart from demolishing our houses, he turned himself to a robber. After demolishing my house, he took my monkey I have been training for the past 15 years. He also took my brother’s goat.
“He has been threatening us. People said we have been cool with him to allow him to demolish our houses. People have bought land here for over 15 years ago. He placed signboard and renamed our community the New Ude Estate. Isinigbo has been existing for over 800 years. He wants to make our place an extension of Ude.
“We came out for a peaceful demonstration to let the government know our plight. The state government should intervene.”
Boboye could not be reached for comments.
Ondo Police spokesman, ASP Tee-Leo Ikoro said nobody was killed in the fracas.
Ikoro confirmed burning of the Ajagun of Ude palace but said normalcy has been restored to the place.
He said investigation has commenced into the incident.
(The Nation)
