Communal Clash Claims 11 In Kogi, Reps Member Condemns Act

 

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

 

Governor Yahaya Bello

 

 

Communal clash over ownership of fish ponds between Adogu and Onyokumi villages in Ajaokuta local government area of Kogi has claimed no fewer than eleven people.

Reacting to the sad incident, the Member Representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency at the Lower Chambers, Hon Lawal Muhammadu Idirisu has condemned in strong terms the dastardly act.

The lawmaker who described the clashes as devastating, childish and crude, noted that the two communities are involved in inter marriages and have been living together in peace as one family.

Hon. Lawal also called on the warring factions in Onyokumi Island and Adogu to exercise high restraint.

He regretted that a disagreement over fish pond could lead to lost of eleven lives and appealed to the people not to take laws into their hands.

“I appealed to the people not to take laws into their hands. It is regrettable that a disagreement over fish pond would lead to loss of innocent lives. It’s very painful.

According to him, steps are being taken to forestall feature occurrence, adding that he has opened up discussions with the factions to ensure that the issues are permanently resolved.

He called on the security agents to ensure that perpetuators of this heinous crime are brought to book to serve as deterrent to others who may have such motives.

He stated further that he is already in touch with the commissioner of police to deploy security personnels to calm down the two communities until the issues are permanently resolved.

The lawmaker promised to continue to work with the state government in it’s effort to ensure a safe environment for the people of the state and in particular, people of his constituency.

“The present Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has been doing its best in the area of security of lives and property. We will continue to work with him to ensure that the peace we are enjoying is sustained.

“I advised our youths, religious leaders, traditional rulers and everyone to continue to preach peace and unity which is the Hallmark of Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration in the last five years.

While condoling with the people who lost their loved ones in the unfortunately incident, Hon. Lawal prayed God to grant the souls of those killed eternal rest.

Recalled that eleven persons were killed last week in Onyokumi Island, in Adogu Ward of Ajaokuta Local government.

The people were said to have been ambushed and killed while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, by a warring faction over a disputed fish pond on the island.

His sincere condolences to the people of Adogu/Ogodo ward especially Adogu Community for this great loss.