5 killed as police, residents clash in Ondo

FIVE persons including a toddler were yesterday killed in a clash between the Police and residents of Ilaramokin, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The clash, which was a fall out of an auto accident which claimed the lives of two persons on Tuesday evening, also rendered many residents of the town injured.

It was gathered that the residents led by a former councilor in the town blocked the Ilesa/Akure express road to protest the killing of two natives of the town, a development which drew the anger of the police and in an attempt to disperse protesters shot sporadically.

During the ensuing melee, two patrol vehicles of the State Police Command were burnt to ashes, while four other vehicles were destroyed by the protesters.

When Our Correspondent visited the scene of the clash, fierce looking police operatives and residents of the town, who were mainly youths were seen exchanging sharp objects.

Also, the protesters blocked the busy road with timbers and stones, thereby preventing movement of vehicles.

Commuters were stranded for hours as they were forced to trek long distance before they could get vehicles to their destinations, while those who could not bear the stress returned homes.

Activities in the town and its environs were grounded to a halt for several hours even as students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) located close to the town had a hectic time going to their classes following the blockage of the road.

It was gathered the community and the Police engaged in fierce battle, soldiers were deployed to bring the situation under control.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the State Police Command, Mr Femi Joseph who confirmed the incident, said peace has returned to the community following the efforts of the Police at pacifying the aggrieved residents of the town.

The police Image maker said no arrest has been made by the police, while maintaining that the Police were after peace in the community and would do everything to ensure that peace reigns in the area.

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