Two killed, 70 houses burnt in Kogi communal clash

Two persons have been killed while over 70 houses were set ablaze in a clash between two communities in Kogi State.

The communities involved in the clash are Oturpo-Ojile and Ochi-Ibadan under the Ankpa Local Government Area of the state.

Trouble started when some villagers in Ochi-Ibadan allegedly killed a man from Oturpo-Ojile who was returning from Lagos to his village, Oturpo-Ojile.

Aggrieved by the death of their son, some 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, Akus Lawal, confirmed the incident 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 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.”

He, however, appealed with the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency to immediately provide relief materials for all the affected victims of the communal clash.

When contacted, the spokesman for the state police command, SP William Aya, confirmed the incident.

According to him, 30 houses were razed, while several properties were destroyed.

He said that the state commissioner of police, Bethrand Onuoha, has visited the two communities while normalcy has been restored.