Land grabbers cause tension in Idi-Iroko, brandish dangerous weapons

Two factions of land grabbers, popularly known as Omo Onile at the Idi-Iroko area of Ogun State, on Tuesday caused may­hem, injuring residents of the area.

Information gathered by Daily Independent indicated that the two factions had en­gaged each other in a public brawl, brandishing various dangerous weapons, which caused panic among the inhab­itants of the area.

It was learnt that the attacks led to the close of shops and business points within the area, while parents in fear, withdrew their children and wards from schools.

The cause of the feud was not immediately known, but feelers from the scene indicated that it may not be unconnected with the tussle to take over the control of some parcels of land by a faction of the land grab­bers, which the other faction severely resisted.

It was also learnt that the crisis actually spread to Oni­buku, Baba Ode and NAHCO areas off Idi-Iroko Expressway in Ota, Ogun State.

Residents of the area, it was gathered, scampered for safety as the feuding groups stormed the areas shooting sporadically and wielding dangerous weap­ons and terrorising the people.

A resident of the area, who didn’t want his name in print, appealed to the officials of the Nigeria police from the Ogun State to intervene in the crisis and prevent the mayhem from escalating further.

The source said that the quick intervention of the police would lead to restoration of law and order in the area.

The source added: “Wor­shippers have also been unable to gather for services. The resi­dents are calling on the police to patrol the areas for peace to return to our community. The land speculators alleged that they are enforcing a court order for control of the land.”

(Daily Independent)