At least two persons have died and 40 houses burnt to the ground as two communities in Akoko-Edo local government in the Nigeria’s Edo State fight over a mango tree.
The clash which began on Wednesday between the Uneme-Ekpedo and Bekuma-Okpameri communities reached it’s peak after 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 their village, according to radar.ng.
Youths from Uneme-Ekpedo who were angry over the death of their own, mobilized and attacked Bekuma-Okpameri, setting houses ablaze.
The youths also allegedly burnt down the palace of the traditional ruler of Bekuma-Okpameri, HRH Moses Alabi.
Injured persons are currently receiving treatment at an emergency camp in nearby Lampese.
A source who spoke with The Nation, was quoted to have said:
“As I am talking to you, there is nobody in Bekuma-Okpameri. It was unbelievable. The youth have completely sacked the community and residents are now camped in Lampese.”
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, who confirmed the incident, said a fact-finding police team has been sent to the community to arrest any one responsible for the mayhem.
