Kwara communal clash: Policemen, naval rating shot

KWARA state Police command has confirmed the arrest of some persons in connection with Wednesday communal clash between people of Offa and Ijagbo communities in Kwara State.

A statement signed by the PPRO of the command, Ajayi Okasanmi, and made available to journalists in Ilorin said that two policemen and a Naval rating, deployed to maintain peace in the area, were injured by gunshots fired by hoodlums.

The command also said that no civilian casualty was recorded, adding that more policemen had been drafted to the crisis area to maintain peace.

“At about 08:00hrs, report reaching the Area commander Offa indicated that a land dispute between Ijagbo and Offa communities was getting out of hands, hence a peace meeting was organised by Chairman Oyun Local government Area, having the area commander and other stakeholders in attendance. Violence, however, erupted while the meeting was still in progress, and sounds of gunfire rented the air.

The hoodlums shot at the security agents deployed to maintain peace, in the process two policemen and a Naval rating were injured and rushed to the hospital for treatment.

No civilian casualty recorded, more policemen have been drafted to the crisis area to maintain peace, some suspects have been arrested and are helping the police in the investigation.

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The Commissioner of Police, Cp Lawan Ado, assures the members of the public of their safety while advising the citizens of the two communities to embrace peace as anybody arrested for breaking the law and order will be dealt with in accordance to the laws of the land, please”, the statement read.