Kogi State
At least two persons were killed, while over 70 houses were set ablaze in a communal clash between Oturpo-Ojile and Ochi-Ibadan in Ankpa local government area of Kogi State.
The clash was said to have been ignited by the alleged killing of a man from Oturpo-Ojile returning home from Lagos, by some people in Ochi-Ibadan.
This was said to have angered some youths from Oturpo-Ojile to carry out a reprisal attack, during which they burnt down over 70 houses in Ochi-Ibadan.
The member representing Ankpa 1 constituency in the state House of Assembly, Akus Lawal, confirmed the incident on the floor of the House during plenary on Thursday.
“The sad incident occurred on 14th January, 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, who they accused of causing 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 clash will not happen in our land again,” Akus said.
The lawmaker appealed to the state emergency management agency to provide relief materials to all the affected victims.
When contacted, the spokesman of the State Police Command, SP William Aya, confirmed the incident, and gave the name of the man initially killed as Samuel Peter.
William, who said one other person was killed during the clash, added that 30 houses not 70, were razed.
He said that normalcy had returned to the two communities, while the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bethrand Onuoha, had visited the two villages.
