At least two persons have been confirmed dead and over 70 houses set ablaze in a communal clash between two communities in Kogi State.
The affected communities were Oturpo-Ojile and Ochi-Ibadan in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
THISDAY gathered that the trouble started when some villagers in Ochi-Ibadan allegedly killed a Man from Oturpo-Ojile who was returning from Lagos to his own village, Oturpo-Ojile.
Sources hinted that aggrieved youths from Oturpo-Ojile in a reprisal attack went straight to Ochi-Ibadan and allegedly burnt down over 70 houses.
The member representing Ankpa I State Constituency, Hon. Akus Lawal, confirmed the incident on the floor of the Kogi State House of Assembly during plenary yesterday.
He said “The sad incident occurred on January 14, 2024. The communal clash between two communities is very worrisome and should not repeat itself again.
“We were informed of the death of a man from Oturpo-Ojile while returning from a journey led to a reprisal attack by his people in Ochi-Ibadan village whom they accused of having 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 Mr. Yahaya Bello for the quick response. We are praying that such communal clash will not happen in our land again.”
He, however, appealed to the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KSEMA) to immediately provide relief materials for all the affected victims in the communal clash.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident in the affected communities.
Speaking on the phone with Journalists in Lokoja on Thursday, the Police Public Relations officer of the command, William Aya explained that two persons have been confirmed killed in the reprisal attack.
Aya added that about 30 houses were set ablaze during that attack.
