A deadly clash between Oturpo-Ojile and Ochi-Ibadan communities in the Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State has left two individuals dead and more than 70 houses reduced to ashes.

The conflict erupted when villagers in Ochi-Ibadan reportedly killed a man from Oturpo-Ojile who was returning to his village from Lagos. Fueled by grief over the loss of their fellow villager, enraged youths from Oturpo-Ojile retaliated with a reprisal attack. This retaliation involved the alleged burning of numerous houses and properties valued at millions of naira in Ochi-Ibadan.

During the Kogi State House of Assembly plenary, Akus Lawal, the representative for Ankpa state Constituency, confirmed the incident and called for swift intervention. He urged the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency to promptly provide relief materials for all those affected by the communal clash.

The State Police Command spokesperson, William Aya, verified the occurrence and informed us that law enforcement was dispatched to the area to address the situation. The aftermath of this violent clash underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to aid the victims and stabilise the affected communities.