TheCable

The Osun state police command says five farmers have been killed by unknown gunmen.

The farmers, who are said to be from Modakeke, were attacked while heading to their farm along Toro road

Yemisi Opalola, spokesperson of the Osun police command, confirmed the incident to NAN on Friday.

She said the victims were on motorcycles when they were ambushed and killed by the gunmen.

Opalola said the police commissioner, Olawale Olokode, had deployed a police tactical team and officers to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the area.

The police spokesman said an investigation is ongoing to unravel the cause of the killing.

She assured that the persons behind the attack would be arrested and prosecuted.

Opalola said the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called for calm and peace to prevent the situation from escalating.

TheCable understands that several residents of Ile-Ife have closed their shops and businesses over fears of reprisal from Modakeke residents.

Ile-Ife and Modakeke(pictured) have a long history of land-related communal clashes spanning over 100 years.