Kogi communal clash: One killed, over 70 houses set ablaze

One person has been killed while over 70 houses were said to have been set ablaze in a communal clash between Oturpo-Ojile and Ochi-Ibadan community in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.

It was gathered that 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, Hon. 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 14th January, 2024. The communal clash between two communities is very worrisome and should not repeat itself.

“We were informed by 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 of having 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 again in our land.”

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