from EMEKA OKONKWO in Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – NUMEROUS homes and businesses have been set ablaze as the decades-long communal crisis between ethnic groups in Nigeria’s southwest Osun State flares.
The conflict featuring the Erin-Osun, Ifon-Osun and Ilobu is rife in the Irepodun and Orolu local government areas of the state.
According to the Red Cross, this is an age-long crisis that started over 100 years ago on the land and boundary disagreement and it reoccurred on March 19, resulting in significant humanitarian needs.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society is supporting the Government through the State Emergency Management Agency to respond to the setback
The Red Cross reports that specifically, over 700 houses were burnt in the affected towns during the incidents, resulting in significant loss of property and livelihoods.
Over 80 shops, three mosques, five schools and four churches have also also been burnt, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Thousands of businesses, including small-scale enterprises and market stalls, have been affected, leading to loss of income and livelihoods for many individuals and families.
The Red Cross confirms that over 5 000 individuals have been displaced.
An unspecified number of deaths and injuries have been reported.
Communal clashes are rampant in Nigeria, pitting nomadic herders and subsistence farmers over resources.
– CAJ News