A fight between two communities in Kogi State resulted in the deaths of two people and the burning of over 70 dwellings (houses).
The localities engaged in the fight include Oturpo-Ojile and Ochi-Ibadan, both from the state’s Ankpa Local Government Area.
Trouble began when several villagers in Ochi-Ibadan reportedly murdered an Oturpo-Ojile man on his way back from Lagos to his hometown.
In retaliation for their son’s murder, several Oturpo-Ojile teenagers reportedly burned down around 70 houses in Ochi-Ibadan.
Akus Lawal, a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly representing the Ankpa I state constituency, verified the occurrence in plenary on Thursday.
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 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.”
cc: Punch Ng
