As the communal clash between the people of Share and Tsaragi towns in Kwara State continues unabated, residents of the two communities have fled the warring towns to the neighbouring communities just as the state government yesterday imposed of a 24-hour curfew in the affected communities with immediate effect. The fleeing of the residents of the two warring communities to another neighbouring towns, according to THISDAY checks, might not be unconnected with the current perceived escalation of the gun duel that ensued between the two towns at the weekend despite the presence of anti-riot policemen drafted to the areas to maintain peace and order.

The two communities had been at loggerheads over land that had spanned years. The development had led the state government to set up a boundary commission of inquiry in order to resolve the issue and a white paper report was issued on the issue.

But, a new crisis broke out at the weekend when there was a report that some people suspected to be from Share town invaded a disputed land with the intent of felling trees and this led to the new face-off in the areas.. During the melee, about 20 people were reportedly said to have sustained serious injuries while some schools were said to have been vandalised.

The state police command has drafted men of anti-riot policemen to the affected areas to maintain peace and order. No fewer than 50 houses were reportedly burnt while another 30 people sustained serious injuries in Share town. Also, churches, mission houses, schools with ICT facilities were reportedly burnt during the incident. Already, soldiers from Sobi army barracks, Ilorin had been drafted to the warring towns so as to support the anti-riot policemen drafted to the town when the crisis broke out.