A communal clash between indigenes of Owake and Ebo communities in the Akoko Southwest Local Government Area of Ondo State has claimed the lives of two persons, Peoples Gazette has learnt.

Also, properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in the violent clash, which occurred between youths of the communities over the weekend.

A source who confirmed the incident to journalists on Monday said the clash started after some youths in the two communities engaged in a heavy fight over boundary issues.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, revealed that the palace of the Asin of Oka-Odo in the community and an event hall were also destroyed during the communal clash.

“As I speak, both the palace and the event hall have been completely destroyed, and several houses were set on fire. Sadly, a house belonging to Mr Omorinbola Francis, also known as Ekoro, was burnt to the ground, and efforts to extinguish the flames proved futile.

“Earlier that same day, members of the Owake community had gone to install signposts on lands along Ikun Road, acting in line with an Appeal Court judgment that affirmed their ownership of the disputed lands.

“However, on their way back, members of the Owake community were ambushed by suspected thugs, who launched a violent attack, leaving many injured,” the source was quoted as saying.

He explained that the injured residents were moved to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Iwaro-Oka, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Confirming the incident in a statement, Wilfred Afolabi, the Commissioner of Police, said the clash started last week when some youths from the Oka-Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by youths from Ebo.

Mr Afolabi said the Ebo youths were said to have mistaken them for individuals from Owake, with whom they have an unresolved land dispute.

The police chief stressed that in retaliation, the Oka-Odo youths mobilised and invaded the Ebo community, leading to incidents of arson.

He said the conflict led to casualties on both sides, leading to the death of two persons whose names and identities are not unknown, while the injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

“So, a police team, led by the deputy commissioner of police has been deployed to the area to restore peace and prevent further escalation,” Mr Afolabi added.