The tranquility of the Ilejemeje Local Government Area Secretariat in Ẹda-Oniyọ, Ekiti State was shattered on Tuesday when a group of armed gunmen forcefully invaded the premises, sparking panic and turmoil among the workers.

In a scene reminiscent of recent events where Yoruba Nation agitators stormed the Oyo State Government Secretariat, the assailants disrupted the normal functioning of the secretariat, compelling employees to flee for their safety.

Reports indicate that the hoodlums originated from the Obbo-Ayegunle community in the neighboring Kwara State. The invaders unleashed a volley of gunshots, causing workers to scatter in every direction. Amidst the ensuing chaos, one person sustained an injury.

The attackers also vandalised the secretariat building and other property belonging to the local council. While the exact motive behind the assault remains unclear at this time, it is believed that the two communities have long been embroiled in a land dispute, which may have contributed to the violence.

During the several-hour-long attack, one individual sustained serious injuries and was promptly rushed to the State Specialist Hospital in Iye-Ekiti for urgent medical attention.

Commenting on the incident, Oba Awodipo Awolola, the Eleda of Eda Oniyo community, expressed concern over the lack of police presence in the area. He emphasized the urgent need for security forces to deploy more officers to prevent further lawlessness and restore order in the community. The traditional ruler also revealed that the hoodlums had recently targeted residents of the community, using charms to intimidate them in their farmlands, causing widespread panic and tension.

Similarly, Mr. Alaba Dada, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, identified the suspected assailants as residents of the Obbo-Ayegunle community in Kwara State. He attributed the attack to the ongoing land dispute between the two communities and assured that security agencies had been mobilized to prevent any reprisal attacks.

Dada emphasized the necessity for the governments of Ekiti and Kwara to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to the land dispute, in order to foster an atmosphere of peace and harmony between the communities.