A deadly confrontation between two communities in Kogi State resulted in the loss of at least two lives, with more than 70 houses set ablaze. The incident unfolded in the Oturpo-Ojile and Ochi-Ibadan communities, located in the Ankpa local government area,leadership report.
The conflict erupted when individuals from Ochi-Ibadan allegedly killed a man from Oturpo-Ojile who was returning to his village from Lagos State. Outraged by the death of their fellow villager, youths from Oturpo-Ojile conducted a retaliatory attack on Ochi-Ibadan, purportedly burning down over 70 houses.
Hon. Akus Lawal, the representative of Ankpa 1 state constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, addressed the incident during a legislative session. He expressed concern over the communal clash, emphasizing the need to prevent its recurrence. The clash, fueled by the death of a man from Oturpo-Ojile, prompted the reprisal attack, resulting in the destruction of numerous properties in Ochi-Ibadan.
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Lawal commended the prompt response of the Commissioner of Police and the Kogi State Government, led by Alhaji Yahaya Bello. He urged the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency to provide immediate relief materials for the affected victims.
SP William Aya, the spokesman for the State Police Command, confirmed the incident, revealing that Samuel Peter and another individual lost their lives due to mob action during the communal clash. He disclosed that only thirty houses were burned, along with several properties damaged. The State’s Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, visited both communities to assess the situation, ensuring the restoration of normalcy.
