In a tragic incident, two lives were lost, and chaos ensued as over 70 houses were set ablaze during a communal clash between Oturpo-Ojile and Ochi-Ibadan communities in Kogi State.
The conflict ignited when villagers from Ochi-Ibadan allegedly killed a man from Oturpo-Ojile who was returning from Lagos.
Fuelled by grief, youths from Oturpo-Ojile retaliated by launching a reprisal attack on Ochi-Ibadan, resulting in the widespread destruction of homes.
During a plenary session on Thursday, Hon. Akus Lawal, the representative of Ankpa 1 state constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, confirmed the grim incident.
He expressed deep concern over the clash, emphasizing the need to prevent its recurrence.
Lawal acknowledged the prompt response of the Kogi State Government and the Commissioner of Police, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment.
“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 led to a reprisal attack,” Lawal stated.
While commending the authorities for their swift action, he appealed to 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.
He clarified that thirty houses were burned, and numerous properties were destroyed.
The State’s Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, visited both communities, ensuring that normalcy has been restored.
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