By Our Reporter 

A violent clash between the Owake and Ebo communities in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State has reportedly claimed the life of an unidentified man.

The unrest, which erupted on Sunday night, left properties destroyed and several residents injured.

In the height of the violence, the home of a prominent resident, Omorinbola Francis, also known as Ekoro, was set ablaze.

Injured victims were rushed to the newly commissioned Federal Medical Centre in Iwaro-Oka for urgent medical attention.

A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the Palace of the Asin of Oka-Odo and an event hall were among the structures razed during the conflict.

The source stated, “The Oka-Odo community was attacked on Sunday night by suspected hoodlums believed to be from the neighbouring Ebo community. The palace and an event hall were completely destroyed, alongside several homes. Unfortunately, Mr Omorinbola Francis’s house was burnt to the ground, and all efforts to put out the flames failed.”

Trouble reportedly began earlier on Sunday when members of the Owake community installed signposts on lands along Ikun Road.

This act was said to follow an Appeal Court ruling affirming their ownership of the disputed lands.

However, on their way back, they were ambushed by suspected thugs, leading to a violent altercation that caused severe injuries.

As tensions remain high, residents have called on security agencies to intervene and restore peace to the troubled communities.