2 feared killed, buildings set ablaze as OPC, cultists clash in Ondo

About two persons have been reportedly killed while two buildings were set on fire during a clash between members of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) and some suspected cult groups in Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

It was gathered that the two people who are members of the two groups were killed during the clash which turned the whole town into a war zone for several hours as gunshots rented the air.

Commercial and social activities were paralyzed in the ancient town as shops owners and other commercial centres’ operators hurriedly closed their shops over the fear of being attacked.

A source within the town disclosed that members of the OPC in the area allegedly killed a cult member during a shoot out at the government forest reserve, while the members of the cult group mobilized themselves to face the OPC members.

He explained that suspected cultists in their numbers visited the residence of the OPC for a reprisal attack which led to an exchange of gunfire between the two groups while properties were vandalized in the process.

He said the crisis was caused by attempts by friends and relations of cultists to avenge the death of their member, saying two buildings were set on fire during the fracas which occured between Ijebu Owo and Idasen communities.

He said security operatives were drafted to strategic locations in the town to curtail the violence and return normalcy to the ancient town.

The traditional ruler of the town, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, was said to have waded into the matter warning the two groups to embrace peace.

The chairman of the local government, Mr Olabade Adegbegi also confirmed the incident but said calm has returned to the town and warned trouble makers against disrupting the peace of the town saying the government will not hesitate to deal with those fomenting troubles.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Tee Leo Ikoro who confirmed the development said security operatives have restored peace in the town

He confirmed that two people were killed and two buildings torched during the clash and said the command has commenced investigation into the crisis, promising to bring those behind the crisis to book.

He, however, said no arrest was made in connection with the clash between the two groups.

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