A violent crisis broke out in two neighbouring communities in Osun State on Tuesday when the Egungun (masquerade) festival turned bloody, leading to the killing of a resident, whose identity is yet to be known.
The two communities; Ikoyi and Apomu both in the Isokan Local Government Area of the state were thrown into confusion due to the violent squabbles.

It was gathered that the Egungun festival started last Thursday in the two neighbouring communities on a very good note till Sunday when things went awry and led to a brawl.

A resident of the Apomu community Hammed Abidoye told our correspondent that a hot altercation ensued between a masquerade of Apomu belonging to a faction of Odua People’s Congress and that of Ikoyi, who was gathered owned by another faction of Akerele on Sunday.

“Those Egungun and their adherents clashed yesterday (Sunday) around 6:30 PM. I don’t know what caused the fight. One person was killed and the situation is tense both in Apomu and Ikoyi. Civil Defense people are trying to calm the situation but the situation is serious right now,” he stated.
A resident of Ikoyi, who simply identified herself as Aminat explained that during the clash houses, shops and other property were destroyed.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun Command, Kehinde Adeleke, confirmed the incident.

She noted “We learnt that one person was killed truly but we haven’t confirmed that.

“The Command has deployed tactical teams to forestall break down of law and order. The team had been briefed to ensure adequate protection of lives and National Assets and infrastructure.

“The tactical team is equipped with the necessary resources and expertise to effectively address the situation on ground and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.” She said.

In her reaction, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Yemisi Opalola, said the command has deployed mobile police to the area and normalcy has returned as of Tuesday morning.

She however said the command has not been able to confirm any casualty.

“A house and a kiosk located at the boundary were indeed burnt by the hoodlums but we can’t confirm the death of anyone. The Commissioner of Police has deployed mobile police officers to the scenes and normalcy has returned. The investigation is still ongoing.” She said.