At least one person has been killed, several injured in a communal
clash involving the people of Gbanchuku/ Kporoka and Numaye community
all in Lokoja Local Government area of Kogi State.
It was learnt that, trouble started when one of the newly installed
chief from Numaye community claimed ownership of a particular portion
of land which according to sources is not part of Numaye riverine
community.
Eyewitness account revealed that, when some youths in Kporoka community
confronted Numaye people for encroaching in their land, argument ensued
between both parties, which later snowballed into serious crisis
resulting to the killing of one person and others injured.
An eyewitness said, " When the situation was going out of hand,
cutlasses everywhere, we have to run for our dear lives. They came into
our territory, attack us and killed one of our own. All we need is
justice and nothing more".
Meanwhile, the Administrator of Lokoja Local Government Area, Shiru
Lawal has called on both communities to remain calm as security agents
are on top of the situation.
Shiru made this call while adressing the youths when he visited the scene of the crisis Gbanchuku/ Kporoka axis.
He maintained that the unfortunate incidence was uncalled for and charged them to be law abiding citizens.
" You people should not take law into their hands. Security agencies
are carrying out their investigations and they assured me that whoever
is found wanting would be brought to book irrespective of his or her
status in the society."
The Administrator also called on the people to assist the security
agents with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the
perpetrators of the heinous acts.
He admonished the parents of the deceased to take solace in Allah saying
no stone would be left unturned in the quest to fish out the
perpetrators.
