The Osun State Government has said the pandemonium that rocked some parts of Ilesa on Saturday has been brought under control.
Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode in a statement on Sunday said the clash was between rival cult groups and some land grabbers. She said security agents have taken over the area and normalcy has been restored.
Her statement read, “The Government of the State of Osun wishes to inform the public that the disturbance in Ilesa caused by a clash between two rival cult groups and land grabbers (Omo-onile), has been brought under control and security operatives have moved into the communities where the clash had spread to ensure that there is no further break down of law and order.
“Residents of Omi-tuntun, Ijoka, Sabo, Ilerin-Ijesa areas and other affected communities can now go about their lawful activities without fear. Peace has been restored but the communities remain under tight security surveillance till further notice.
“The government is, however, using this opportunity to reiterate that Osun remains a peaceful state, and the government will not fold its hands while a few criminal elements unleash terror on law-abiding citizens going about their normal activities.
“Those found culpable of disrupting the peace of Osun by way of harassing innocent citizens or being in possession of illegal arms will be made to face the consequences of their actions.
“The government is imploring parents and guardians to keep a close watch on their children and wards, so that they are not used to perpetrate criminal activities because when the law catches up with them, and they will face the full weight of the law.
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The government is also imploring residents and citizens to always channel their grievances to the appropriate authorities and resist the temptation of taking law into their own hands.
“Osun is a peaceful state, and the government will not condone attempts to jeopardise that peace.”
