A wave of tension has swept through Erinje community in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State as elders have appealed to law enforcement agencies to urgently step in over rising unrest linked to allegations surrounding a local vigilante commander, Sunday Wale Enisan.
The crisis reportedly began after Enisan was appointed to lead a community-based vigilante team formed by local farmers and residents to defend Erinje against repeated attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen. For months, residents have complained of increasing cases of farmland destruction, kidnappings, and deadly assaults allegedly carried out by armed invaders.
According to community insiders, the vigilante structure was created as a grassroots security response to protect lives and property in the face of mounting insecurity.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when accusations concerning Enisan’s alleged bisexuality surfaced within the community, sparking widespread controversy and anger among certain groups, particularly youths.
The allegations quickly ignited protests, with many young residents demanding that the community’s traditional ruler, Baale Chief Babatunde Alade, produce Enisan to publicly address the claims against him.
As tensions escalated, youth groups reportedly launched a search across the area, insisting that Enisan must be found and made accountable.
Speaking during the unrest, youth leader Muiz Olawale was quoted as saying the search would not end until Enisan returns to face the community.
“We will continue looking for him wherever he is. He must answer to the people,” he reportedly declared.
The unrest intensified further on Sunday when angry youths allegedly set fire to the residence of Enisan’s grandmother, which also served as his home, heightening fears of deeper instability within the town.
Many residents now worry that the growing internal conflict could distract the community from its larger struggle against recurring external security threats.
In response, Baale Chief Babatunde Alade appealed for peace and urged residents, especially youths, not to allow division to worsen an already fragile security situation.
He emphasized that the community’s main concern should remain defending Erinje from violent attacks rather than turning against one another.
“This is a time for unity, not internal destruction,” the monarch reportedly warned. “If we become divided, those attacking our people will only gain more ground.”
Also weighing in, the Chief Imam of Erinje Central Mosque, Alhaji Fatai Solade, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but stressed that any response must be measured and should not plunge the community into chaos.
He urged young people to pursue justice responsibly while preserving peace and order.
Despite repeated appeals from traditional and religious leaders, anxiety remains high as Enisan’s location remains unknown, with speculation that he may have fled the area for safety.
With fears of further violence growing, the Erinje Elders Council has now formally called on the police and relevant security authorities to intervene immediately to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
Community elders warned that Erinje, already under pressure from persistent attacks by armed herdsmen, cannot withstand an additional internal crisis.
“Our community is facing enough challenges already,” an elder reportedly stated. “We need urgent intervention to restore peace and prevent this unrest from tearing us apart.”
Residents remain hopeful that swift security action will restore calm and help the community refocus on its broader security challenges.
