Police arrest 32 suspects involved in Ondo communal clash

No fewer than 32 suspects have been arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command over their alleged involvement in the communal clash that occurred at Iwaro in the Akoko South West Local Council of Ondo State.

Two people were killed on Monday in the communal clash that rocked the community, involving three-quarters over age-old land disputes.

According to the police public relations officer in the state, CSP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the 32 suspects had been moved to the state headquarters in Akure, the state capital.

The PPRO also disclosed that an investigation into the crisis had begun to unravel the root cause of the violent clash.

She said, “Yes, 32 suspects have been arrested in connection with the communal clash that occurred in the Akoko area on Sunday.

“All the suspects are in our custody, and the investigation is ongoing to unravel the causes of the clash.”

Youths from Oka-Odo who were on a hunting expedition were attacked by their counterparts from Ebo, who had mistaken them for those from Owake.

With Ebo and Owake youths involved in a longstanding dispute over an unresolved land dispute, the Oka-Odo youths, in retaliation, mobilised and invaded Ebo.

While those who were injured in the brawl are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, the violent clash also led to the incident of arson with a residential building and an event hall razed.