Communal clash: Slain NSCDC officer laid to rest in Osun

The slain officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command, Shittu Wasiu Kehinde, popularly called Kenwask, during a deadly eruption of communal violence between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in Ayedaade Local Government Area of the State was buried on Wednesday amidst profuse tears and sobbing of the loved ones in Osogbo, Osun State Capital.

The deceased, who was shot by the warring groups from the communities on Tuesday, gave up the ghost immediately, while another officer of the agency sustained varying degrees of injuries.

His remains were lowered to the earth at a cemetery belonging to Muslim groups in the town in the afternoon of the day.

It will be recalled that trouble broke out after an indigene of Orile Owu was appointed as Baale of Araromi Owu, which some settlers from Ibadan, residing in the same community, vehemently went against on the claim that they were also entitled to the throne.

The development, which generated a heated argument between the people, led to the killing, maiming, and setting ablaze of the baale’s palace while the appointed baale was at Ilofi (seclusion), where traditional rites were being performed on him.

The Ibadan settlers, who are said to have ignited the crisis before it snowballed into a real battle, are said to have insisted that the appointed Baale would not reign while they were still alive.

However, at the cemetery, family members, close associates, sympathisers, and even deceased colleagues wept profusely to mourn the departed soul.

It will be recalled that the state government condemned the inhuman act through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi.

He frowned at the loss of lives and properties during the confrontation, which he described as unholy.

According to him, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved and directed that security operatives should immediately be stationed in the areas and protect the communities by maintaining law and order.”

The statement read, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for calm between the Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in the Ayedaade local government area of Osun State.

“He also announced that the government has ordered that the chieftaincy selection process, which caused the communal clash, be henceforth suspended.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke has also directed the Special Adviser on Security, Mr Ojo, to mobilise security operatives to the towns to maintain law and order, and that anyone caught not abiding by the law is to be arrested and prosecuted appropriately.

“The government has the duty of protecting the lives and properties of the people of Araromi Owu and Orile Owu in Ayedaade local government, hence directing that any act or movement contrary to peace, which may lead to the breakdown of law and order in the communities, is not acceptable.

“The government particularly commiserates with the families of those who lost their properties in the communal clash and added that the rift will be duly investigated.

“The government reiterates that peace is germane in every environment and assures Osun residents of security, while also calling for the support of residents and urging everyone to embrace peace.”

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