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7 Feared Dead in Kogi Violence

This Day (Lagos)
NEWS
April 17, 2004
Posted to the web April 19, 2004

By Yinka Kolawole
Lokoja
No fewer than seven persons were reported to have died in a communal clash
between youths of Oziwawa and Ivuvu-cheba in Okene, Kogi State in the last one
week.
The clash also witnessed burning of eight houses.
Our correspondent, who visited the area, noted that the two communities were
deserted following free use of weapons as those rendered homeless have sought
refuge in neighbouring villages.
The clash, according to an eye-witness, started when a little boy who had
earlier murdered someone in the village returned with the hope that he had been
forgiven.
On hearing the news that the youth had returned, aggrieved people in the two
communities compelled the boy's relations to produce him.
However, an unconfirmed source noted that he was later found dead near a mosque
which eventually sparked the riot.
The police image maker in charge of Kogi State Command, ASP Ambrose Igbokwe
when contacted, confirmed the incident.
Igbokwe stressed that the divisional police posts in Okene with mobile squad in
Lokoja had restored peace in the area.

   

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