Kogi: 11 killed in Ajaokuta land dispute

Eleven persons have been reportedly killed in Onyokumi community, Adogu ward in Ajaokuta local government council of Kogi State over a land dispute between Adogu/Ogodo communities

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the incident occured over the weekend when some youths from one of the warring community visited the fish pond for inspection and they were ambushed. Nine persons were killed in the process while several other people sustained serious injuries.

According to a source, residents had fled the community about three years ago when a crisis occured.

The source added that over the weekend some youths visited the hitherto deserted land to inspect the fish pond and they were attacked by another set of youths from another part of the community.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that dangerous weapons were used to attack one another during the attack.

When Nigerian Tribune contacted the Kogi State police command public relations officer, DSP William Ayah, for confirmation, he said his office was yet to be briefed by the DPO at Ajaokuta police station.

Meanwhile, the Member Representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency Hon Lawal Muhammadu Idirisu has condemned, in strong terms, the recent killings of some of his constituents as a result of the communal clashes between two communities, Adogu and Onyokumi.

Lawal described the clashes as devastating, childish and crude, noting that the two communities are involved in inter-marriages and have been living together in peace as one family.

Hon. Lawal also called on the warring factions in Onyokumi Island and Adogu to exercise high restraint.

He regretted that a disagreement over fish pond could lead to lost of eleven lives and appealed to the people not to take laws into their hands.

“I appeal to the people not to take laws into their hands. It is regrettable that a disagreement over a fish pond would lead to loss of innocent lives. It’s very painful,” he said.

According to him, steps are being taken to forestall future reoccurrence, adding that he has opened up discussions with the factions to ensure that the issues are permanently resolved.

He called on the security agents to ensure that perpetrators of the heinous crime are brought to book to serve as deterrent to others who may have such motives.

He stated further that he is already in touch with the commissioner of police to deploy security personnels to calm down the two communities until the issues are permanently resolved.

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

We Have Not Had Water Supply In Months ― Abeokuta Residents

In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state.