Two persons have been killed and 40 houses burnt in a clash that ensued between two communities in Akoko-Edo local government.
The two communities, Uneme-Ekpedo and Bekuma-Okpameri, had been on war path since Wednesday over mango fruit.
Based on what was gathered, four persons from Uneme-Ekpedo community went to a bush to pluck mangoes but that one of them was reportedly killed by youths from Bekuma-Okpameri community, who claimed the mango tree belonged to them, The Nation reports.
Angered by the incident, youths from Uneme-Ekpedo were said to have mobilized and invaded Bekuma-Okpameri killing residents and set houses ablaze.
The palace of the traditional ruler of Bekuma-Okpameri, HRH Moses Alabi, was also torched.
Persons injured in the attack are now receiving treatment at an emergency camp at Lampese, a neighboring community.
An eyewitness 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 had been sent to the community to arrest the perpetrators.
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