By Funmilayo Ojo |
No fewer than two people have been killed while over 70 houses were burnt in a clash between two communities in Kogi State.
The communities involved in the clash are Oturpo-Ojile and Ochi-Ibadan in the Ankpa Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that the crises erupted following the killing of a man from Oturpo-Ojile community by some villagers in Ochi-Ibadan
In a reprisal attack, some Oturpo-Ojile youth then stormed Ochi-Ibadan set ablaze over 70 houses.
Recounting the incident at the floor of the Kogi State House of Assembly on Thursday, a member representing Ankpa I state constituency, Akus Lawal, stated that the worrisome incident occurred on January 14, 2024.
He said, “We were informed that the death of one man from Oturpo-Ojile while returning from a journey led to a reprisal attack by his people on Ochi-Ibadan village whom they accused to have caused the death of their son. Over 70 houses and many properties in Ochi-Ibadan were burnt down.
“We must commend the Commissioner of Police who went to this community for an on-the-spot assessment and the Kogi State Government under Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the quick response. We are praying that such communal clashes will not happen in our land again.”
