At least two individuals were reportedly killed on Thursday following a violent clash between rival land grabber groups in the Latona area of Osogbo, Osun State.
According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation erupted when a faction allegedly led by a well-known political enforcer stormed a construction site to demand settlement fees—popularly referred to as "tips"—from a property developer.
Tensions quickly escalated when another group, claiming control over the same territory, challenged the move, asserting that they held jurisdiction over the area and were the rightful recipients of the developer's tip.
“The boys were furious that they were resisted,” a source familiar with the incident told our correspondent. “They insisted that their leader is the most powerful in Osun State and that no one had the authority to obstruct his operations.”
What began as a heated verbal exchange soon descended into violence, with both sides reportedly exchanging gunfire. The shootout resulted in the deaths of two individuals, whose identities are yet to be confirmed.
The violent encounter caused panic across the Latona axis, forcing many business owners and residents to shut down shops and vacate their premises for safety.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation. “Our officers were immediately deployed to the scene once the report was received,” he said. “However, there have been no additional updates as of the time of this report.”
The police have yet to release further details on the identities of the deceased or whether any arrests have been made. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue.
The resurgence of land-related violence in Osun State has reignited calls for more decisive action against land grabbing and the rising influence of violent enforcers within property development zones.
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