Three Persons have been reportedly killed following renewed hostilities between Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State over disputed lands.

Eyewitnesses reported that hoodlums invaded the disputed areas and were shooting sporadically while people were observing Taraweeh prayer last night, which made many residents to flee their homes.

The two communities have been entangled in bloody land dispute for decades claiming lives with wanton destruction of property.

Sources informed Saturday Vanguard that the hoodlums lay siege on the communities till early hours on Friday, thereby making residents vulnerable to attack while security operatives have been redeployed after the curfew imposed in January was relaxed.

According to the Spokesperson to Olufon of Ifon, Mr Akeeb Adekunle: “The incident escalated last night with hoodlums from Ilobu invading some of the disputed areas, especially Apenponroro burning a Primary Health Centres and residential buildings. An old woman was killed in the community and her body burnt in her house. Also, a former councillor in the town, Mr Azeez Adeoye was shot dead, and another old man was hacked to death at Ayetoro area before his body was also burnt. Our people are running for their safety presently”.

Also, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola, alleged that hoodlums from Ifon have been terrorising Ilobu indigenes in the area and attempted to kidnap one Laisu Isola, community head of Opapa on Tuesday before he was rescued after crying for help.

He added that Ifon hoodlums also invaded Gbere Onireke, Oke Ebutu destroying people’s houses while houses were burnt at Ganga, Apenponroro, Olobu market, Elentere and Oke Ayepe till Friday morning.

“We have reported several attacks in the Apenponroro area in Ilobu by Ifon hoodlums to Police, but we have not received any help. But Friday night the hoodlums invaded Ilobu community shooting sporadically into the air and burning houses till this morning,” he said.