Tension Escalates in Osun as Hoodlums Attack Police Over Ilobu–Erin-Osun Boundary Dispute

Fresh tension has erupted in Osun State following an alleged attack on police officers deployed to prevent a clash between residents of Ilobu and Erin-Osun over a longstanding boundary dispute.

The Osun State Police Command confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the incident, which occurred amid renewed hostilities between the two neighbouring communities.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, police operatives were initially deployed following intelligence reports of a possible clash.

However, the situation escalated when officers responding to a distress call in Ilobu reportedly came under attack by suspected hoodlums. The Command described the incident as unlawful and a direct assault on constituted authority.

According to the statement, although security operatives succeeded in dispersing the violent group, some youths allegedly regrouped and attacked the officers. One officer was reportedly dragged to the Olobu Palace, where he was subjected to further inhumane treatment.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, ordered the immediate deployment of an intervention team to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The Command added that additional suspects have been identified and would be apprehended to face prosecution.

While condemning the attack, police authorities warned residents of both communities against engaging in violence, stressing that any further assault on security personnel would attract the full weight of the law.