Two Killed, 40 Houses Razed Down as Communities Clash Over Mango

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Two Killed, 40 Houses Razed Down as Communities Clash Over Mango

Following a communal clash which erupted in Edo State, two persons have been killed and 40 houses razed down, The Nation reports.

The Uneme-Ekpedo and Bekuma-Okpameri communities in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the State clashed on Wednesday after some members quarrelled over a mango tree.

It was gathered that 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 them.

Peeved by the killing, youths from Uneme-Ekpedo were said to have mobilized and attacked Bekuma-Okpameri and set houses ablaze.

The palace of the traditional ruler of Bekuma-Okpameri, HRH Moses Alabi, was also torched by the rampaging youths.

Persons injured in the attacked are now receiving treatment at an emergency camp at Lampese, a neighboring community.

A source said, “As I am talking to you, there is nobody in Bekuma-Okpameri. It was unbelievable. The youths have completely sacked the community and residents are now camped in Lampese.”

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 the perpetrators.

Ezike added that the police held talks with the two traditional rulers.