Ahamefula Ogbu
There was palpable tension yesterday in Modakeke, Osun State, following the killing of five farmers by unknown gunmen who waylaid them on their way to farm and shot them along Toro Road.
However, a source told THISDAY that though the attack was allegedly carried out by unknown gunmen, the attack had the signature that suggested a resurgence of the Ife-Modakeke crises which has prompted the government of the state to rush consultations and mobilise security personnel to ensure there was no escalation.
Governor Gboyega Oyetola has called for calm and foreclosed a resurgence of the Ife/Modakeke crisis. He pleaded with the people not to allow criminal elements to steal the peace they had been enjoying and assured that the culprits responsible for the killings would soon be apprehended.
Osun State Police Command confirmed the killing, adding that the victims were on motorcycles when the gunmen ambushed and shot them. Police Spokesperson in the state, Yemisi Opalola, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olawale Olokode had already deployed a tactical team to the area to forestall breakdown of law and order.
According to a statement from the Osun State Information Commissioner, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, a security meeting had been held where issues about Ife/Modakeke were examined.
“Government, while sympathising with the families of those that died in the unfortunate incident, also called on security operatives to get to the root of the circumstances leading to the death of the deceased and counsel residents and citizens not to take the laws into their own hands.
“Mr. Governor personally spoke to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Moses Oyediran Oladejo and they both assured him of their commitment to peace by ensuring that the people from both areas also continue to remain peaceful and law abiding.
“As government, we are resolved to do everything possible to protect citizens from actual and potential threats. To this end, we have ordered immediate deployment of security operatives to restore law and order.
“We have also directed security operatives to arrest and prosecute any person found fomenting trouble and to fish out those responsible for the killing of the five farmers.
“Government enjoins all citizens to be peaceful and to be law abiding as all efforts shall be made to protect them and their property,” the statement added.
Opalola assured that investigations into the killings had already commenced and assured that those culpable for the killings would be made to face the law.
She also added that the Ooni of Ife had called for peace to ensure the situation did not escalate but some traders and other businesses were reportedly closed when the news of the killings filtered into town.
Clashes between Ife and Modakeke mostly over land have lingered for years and occasionally resurfaces from time to time.
