Heavy fighting continued Monday at Ganmo Ifelodun local council of Kwara State, where over 30 houses had already been completely razed.

Though no loss of life has been officially reported, sources said that if the situation escalates further, the military could be drafted in today to quell the crisis. A team of mobile policemen drafted into the scene were said to have retreated as the warring factions were alleged to be using superior firepower in the crisis that enters its fourth day today.

This development has obstructed free flow of traffic in the area as unsuspecting motorists plying the federal road in the community are being harassed. Schools and markets have been closed down while residents have fled the area for fear of more trouble breaking out.

True cause of the crisis has not been officially ascertained, but sources said it might not be unconnected with the recent upgrading of an Oluganma stool, the Ganmo monarch, Oba Abdullahi Kolawole, to a fourth class status by the state government. Supporters of the rival monarch, Oluganmo of Ganmo, reportedly condemned the grading of Oluganma stool.

Apparently to avert crisis, the state reportedly postponed the presentation of staff of office to the traditional ruler because of unfavourable security reports. Two ethnic groups - Igbomina and Afonja descendants of Idi-Ape quarters, Ilorin, are claiming ownership of the ancient town.

It was also learnt that celebrations by the supporters of Oba Kolawole allegedly sparked off the violent clash as the rival group saw it as an act of provocation. However, another account attributed the crisis to the reported re-location of the Central Market, Ganmo, to a new site, which the people allegedly resisted.

Meanwhile, a detachment of mobile policemen has been drafted to the troubled town to restore law and order and normalcy was gradually returning to the community.  Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olufemi Fabode, refused to confirm the development.