Two persons have been killed and 40 houses burnt in a clash between two communities in Akoko-Edo local government.
The two communities, Uneme-Ekpedo and Bekuma-Okpameri, had the fracas on Wednesday after some members quarrelled over mango.
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 attacking residents and set houses ablaze.
The palace of the traditional ruler of Bekuma-Okpameri, HRH Moses Alabi, was set ablaze.
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.
