Policeman killed, 15 injured in Kwara clash

A policeman was on Tuesday killed while 15 civilians were injured during a communal clash at the Ganmo Muslim praying ground in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

About 10 cars were damaged and the palace of the Olu of Ganmo, Atanda Kolawole, was burnt down by suspected hoodlums during the clash.

THE PUNCH learnt that the crisis began at the praying ground during a disagreement over who should lead the Eid prayers.

There has been a long-standing chieftaincy tussle between Kolawole and the Okunoye family from Idi-Ape. The Okunoye lineage is allegedly opposed to the leadership of the Kolawole family, a matter which is said to be currently before the Supreme Court.

Some of the people injured at the praying ground were rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and some private hospitals in the state capital.

The crisis was said to have further escalated when news spread around the city that some suspected hoodlums were planning to burn the home of one of the chiefs in the town, said to be in support of the Kolawole family.

THE PUNCH further learnt that one of the feuding royal families allegedly recruited eight soldiers for the clash, a situation which resulted in a free-for-all.

Riot policemen sent to area to quell the crisis were allegedly resisted by the soldiers.

The spokesman of the state police command, Mr. Ezekiel Dabo, told newsmen that the policeman was killed when a soldier tried to disarm him.

Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101117243293