As part of efforts to prevent loss of lives and property in Oyo and Osun States, the Nigerian Police has arrested over two traditional chiefs and dozens of residents from Ibadan for trespassing on a disputed land between both states.
As gathered, the several communities along the border line were raided by the law enforcement officers for contravening the agreement reached by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and his Osun counterpart, Ademola Adeleke, to end the crisis rocking the ownership of the disputed land.
The agreement indicated that all communities laying claim to the land stay off pending the outcome of the country’s boundary commission investigation to determine the authentic owner.
Days after signing this agreement, the Oyo residents, who were allegedly backed by their traditional rulers, stormed the disputed land on Thursday to farm and engage in other agricultural activities.
The arrest was said to have sparked tension within the communities with some residents alleging that police action was ordered by the Oyo state government.
The officers were said to have targeted the Oke-Oba area and included communities such as Papa, Ogburo, and Ejemu. Sources say over 20 individuals, including Baales (local chiefs), have been arrested and transported to Ibadan, Oyo State, where they are currently being detained.
The arrests come just hours after a peace meeting hosted by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 11, which brought together representatives from both Oyo and Osun States in a bid to de-escalate the border tension.
However, eyewitnesses report that the police raid commenced barely two hours after the meeting ended.
Residents say the operation was led by officers from Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State alongside operatives from the Oyo State Police Command. The unexpected nature of the raid caused panic in the affected communities, with several Baales reportedly fleeing to avoid arrest.
The ongoing border dispute between the two neighboring states has been before the National Boundary Commission, with both Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State previously meeting to explore peaceful resolutions.
As of the time of filing this report, the police operation is said to still be underway, and efforts to reach security authorities for comments have been unsuccessful.
