Tension and fear gripped the Iresa-Adu community in Oyo State yesterday as gun-wielding men, claiming to be acting on behalf of a land buyer, stormed the village of Oke-Àrò, forcing residents to flee for their lives.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about land ownership and the role of traditional leaders in the region.
According to eyewitnesses, the villagers were given no notice to vacate their land, and were left with no choice but to run for safety, with some taking refuge in the nearby forest overnight.
The attack is believed to be linked to a land sale by the Baale of a neighboring village, who allegedly sold the land without the consent of the Oke-Àrò villagers.
The Baale of Oke-Aro village has condemned the actions of the gunmen and the neighboring Baale, stating that only the Aresa of Iresa-Adu has the authority to sell land in the area.
However, the position of the Aresa has been vacant for almost 9 years, with no one enthroned by the Oyo State Government.
The incident has highlighted the complexities of land ownership and traditional leadership in the region, and raised concerns about the safety and security of rural communities.
Authorities are yet to comment on the incident or take action to restore calm to the affected community.
