Two persons have been killed and 40 houses set ablaze as two communities in Akoko-Edo local government clashed over a mango tree.
The clash that occurred on Wednesday between the Uneme-Ekpedo and Bekuma-Okpameri communities started after four persons from Uneme-Ekpedo community went to a bush to pluck mangoes, but one of them was killed by youths from Bekuma-Okpameri community, who claimed the mango tree belonged to their village.
Angered by the murder of their compatriot, youths from Uneme-Ekpedo mobilized and attacked Bekuma-Okpameri, setting houses ablaze.
The palace of the traditional ruler of Bekuma-Okpameri, HRH Moses Alabi, was also torched by the rampaging youths.
According to the Nation newspaper, people injured in the attacked are now receiving treatment at an emergency camp in nearby Lampese.
“As I am talking to you, there is nobody in Bekuma-Okpameri. It was unbelievable. The youth have completely sacked the community and residents are now camped in Lampese,” a source told the Nation.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, confirmed the incident and said a fact-finding police team has been sent to the community to arrest responsible for the mayhem.
Ezike added that the police held talks with the two traditional rulers in a bid to get to the root of the issue and restore peace.
Source: The Nation
