The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi yesterday berated mischief-makers linking the killing of five farmers killed at Toro Village to the long-resolved Ife/Modakeke dispute.

The Nation reports that there was tension in Ile-Ife and Modakeke on Friday following the discovery of five corpses of farmers who were gruesomely murdered by gunmen in the early hours. Modakeke youths thronged to the palace of Ooni of Ife to invade the premises however, they were repelled by Ife youths. Governor Adegboyega Oyetola ordered the deployment of policemen and military to douse the tension in the two communities.

Meanwhile, a release by the Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, yesterday stated that Oba Ogunwusi condemned the killing of five farmers.

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According to the monarch, “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.

“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.”