Seven police officers reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during a communal clash between residents of Ido-Ijesa and Esa-Oke in Osun State.

The unrest erupted following the appointment of Prince Timileyin Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido-Ajegunle by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The Nation reported that the governor’s decision to approve the installation of Prince Ajayi as the monarch of the Ido-Ajegunle community, which borders Esa-Oke, sparked outrage among Esa-Oke residents. They opposed the appointment, claiming that the newly crowned monarch hails from Ilesa and is not indigenous to their town.

Tensions escalated after vigilantes reportedly brought in by the new monarch were arrested by the police four days before the clash. A top security source, speaking anonymously, said this development contributed to the violent outbreak.

Confirming the incident, Yemisi Opalola, spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, disclosed that seven officers were ambushed and injured while attempting to restore order.

She stated, “Police operatives have been deployed to restore peace. Seven policemen were shot when they first arrived in the community. When we heard that there was a crisis in the community, we deployed our men to the communities, and then they were ambushed. The policemen were trying to clear the trees that fell on their path when they were ambushed. The bullet hit one of them on the neck.”

Security forces remain on the ground to maintain peace in the affected areas.