A communal clash between two groups in Kogi State resulted in the deaths of two people and the burning of over 70 houses.
The communities involved in the communal fight include Oturpo-Ojile and Ochi-Ibadan, both from Kogi State’s Ankpa Local Government Area.
Trouble began when some villagers in Ochi-Ibadan allegedly murdered a man from Oturpo-Ojile who was returning from Lagos to his home town.
In retaliation for their son’s death, some Oturpo-Ojile teenagers allegedly set fire to approximately 70 houses in Ochi-Ibadan.
Hon. Akus Lawal, who represents Ankpa I State Constituency, acknowledged the occurrence on the floor of the Kogi State House of Assembly during 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 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 burned 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 a communal clash will not happen in our land again.”
He did, however, urge the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency to swiftly give relief items to all victims of the communal violence.
When contacted, SP William Aya, the spokesman for the state police command, confirmed the event.
He stated that Peter and one other person were killed by a mob following a communal clash between the Oturpo-Ojile and Ochi-Ibadan villages.
According to him, “thirty houses were razed while several properties were destroyed.”
He stated that Bethrand Onuoha, the state commissioner of police, had visited the two settlements once normalcy had been restored.
