Communal clash: Normalcy returns to Kwara communities

Normalcy has returned to neighbouring Osi and Etan communities in the Ekiti local government area of Kwara state after an occurrence of a communal clash at the weekend.

This development followed a peace meeting between the two communities at the palace of Olosi of Osi during the week to find an amicable resolution to the crisis and forestall future reoccurrence.

It is recalled that four persons were reportedly injured and properties destroyed during the crisis which was allegedly caused by a misunderstanding between indigenes of the two neighbouring communities.

Tribune Online gathered that movement between the two communities had resumed, while the people who had ran away from the areas had returned to their various homes, just as a team of law enforcement agents deployed to the area during the crisis had also left.

Speaking with Tribune Online on Wednesday, the Olosi of Osi town, Oba Saliu Adasofegbe, said that a peace meeting between the two communities was held in his palace at Osi, adding that efforts of the law enforcement agencies in the state at nipping the crisis in the bud was commendable.

The traditional ruler, who said that the crisis emanated from the youth of the two communities, added that the issue was not related to siting of the satellite campus of the Kwara State University (KWASU) as being speculated.

“The incident on Saturday started when a lady from Osi took a local artiste to perform at a function at Etan. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding ensued among the people at the function leading to a confrontation. That’s what happened, and not in any way connected to the location of KWASU campus in Osi”, he said.

Also speaking, a community leader in Etan community, Elder Joshua Adeoye, said that there was no casualty, adding that those wounded had been treated and returned to their businesses.

Elder Adeoye, who corroborated the traditional ruler on the cause of the crisis, said that the clash was not because of the location of a satellite KWASU campus in Osi in any way.

The community leader also enjoined the people to encourage peace and harmonious relationship among themselves, saying they should bury their differences and remain as one big family to facilitate better development in the areas.