In a tense and harrowing incident that unfolded in the quiet village of Apalokun, located within the Iwerele region of Iwajowa Local Government Area, Oyo State, a cloud of fear descended upon the community. Reports emerging from the scene indicate that a violent clash occurred, claiming numerous lives and setting the entire locality on edge. The confrontation involved a collision between Operation Burst, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), the Amotekun security outfit, Soludero, and a faction of Fulani herdsmen.

Intriguingly, the genesis of this grave altercation stemmed from a group of Fulani herders who had encroached upon a local farm, their cattle grazing recklessly and causing significant damage. An altercation soon ensued, tragically culminating in the loss of the farm’s owner during the ensuing dispute. The collateral damage was not limited to human lives alone, as crops valued at thousands of naira were obliterated in the turmoil.

This tragic incident unfolded on Saturday, October 14, casting a long shadow of apprehension over the Apalokun community. An authoritative figure within the locality, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that the community had promptly alerted security forces, comprising Operation Burst, OPC, Amotekun, and Soludero, to restore peace to the area. Shockingly, these responding security units found themselves in an alleged ambush by the Fulani herdsmen, resulting in the loss of several yet-to-be-identified individuals and leaving numerous others injured.

The gravity of this situation has not gone unnoticed, as various security agencies within the state have initiated investigations into the matter. The stakeholders involved, which encompass representatives from the Fulani community and local leaders, have held extensive discussions with the heads of the relevant security agencies. As a lamentable side note, an unnamed government source expressed sorrow over the incident, stating that many lives had been claimed. The source also touched upon recent comments made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo regarding traditional rulers, which have provoked discussions in the community. This incident underscores the urgent need to devise a lasting solution to the recurring violence, with traditional leaders being called upon to play a pivotal role.

At the time of reporting, all attempts to obtain a response from the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, regarding the crisis had proven futile, as he remained unresponsive to phone calls and text messages.