TORO VILLAGE KILLING: OONI'S PALACE CONDEMNS ACT, SAYS INCIDENT NOT A COMMUNAL CLASH

The palace of the Ooni of Ife has condemned the gruesome killing of about five persons in Toro Village on Friday by yet to be identified assailants.

The Palace in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare as obtained by Ife City Blog on Saturday described the incident as unfortunate and a sheer criminal act, noting that the perpetrators will not escape justice.

The Osun State Police Command had earlier in a statement by its spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola confirmed the incident, stating that investigations were ongoing to unravel and apprehend the culprits.

"The palace of the Ooni of Ife on Friday morning received with great concern, news of the reported killing of some persons numbering about five at Toro village, Ile-Ife.

"Aside from condemning the unfortunate incident in strong terms, the Palace of the Ooni immediately reported the case to appropriate security authorities, who swung into action immediately", the statement read in part.

The palace however condemned the attempt by some people, described as mischief makers, attempting to add communal colouration to the crime by linking it to the Ife/Modakeke tussle which, according to the statement has long been resolved and therefore urged residents and the general public to disregard such.

"While some mischief makers tried to link the criminality to the long-resolved Ife/Modakeke dispute, the Palace of Ife wishes to state unequivocally that what happened at Toro village was sheer criminality and the long hand of the law will soon catch up with the perpetrators.

"It is in the public knowledge that the country like its counterparts across the world is being confronted by security challenges, which would soon be a thing of the past with the corporation of all especially we (citizens).

"Attempts to add communal colouration to the crime with an attempt to distract security operatives from unveiling the evil minds behind the devilish act by some mischief makers is already known to security operatives who are on top of the matter".

The statement, while commending the various security formations for their prompt response which was described as helpful in forestalling the breakdown of law and order, following violent demonstrations from some aggrieved members of the communities in reaction to the killing urged residents to continue with their lawful activities adding that the criminal elements are not representing the interest of any community but their own and will soon the caught up in the hands of the law.

"While lauding government and security operatives including the Police, Department of State Service (DSS), the Nigeria Army, Vigilante groups and others for being responsive to the ugly situation and their immeasurable roles in sustaining the peace being enjoyed in the communities, the Ooni implores all abiding persons to carry on with their legitimate activities as perpetrators of acts of criminality are not representing any community and will only be treated as criminals".