A long-standing communal conflict between Ishi and Itale communities in Ibaji local government of Kogi State has resurfaced, resulting in the deaths of dozens of residents and the razing of numerous homes. Despite previous peace agreements and interventions by local authorities, the violence has continued to escalate. The conflict is reportedly over farmland and fishing ponds, with mercenaries being brought in to fight.
The prevailing unresolved conflict between residents of Ishi and Itale communities in Ibaji local government of Kogi State, yesterday resurfaced as the people violently engaged each other in renewed violence. The renewed clash, which according to sources, began Wednesday afternoon has led to death undisclosed numbers of residents. An unverified numbers of residential houses were reportedly razed in the violence which lasted 24 hours before the intervention of the Police Anti-riot squad deployed from the Idah Area Command. The Guardian reports that there exist an aged-long internecine feud between residents of the communities over farmland and fishing ponds. It was learnt that the apex Igala socio-cultural organization “Ukomu Igala” had made futile efforts to restore peace and brotherhood among residents of the communities. “Following the intervention of Ukomu Igala, Ibaji stakeholders were brought to Lokoja for a peace parley, after which a peace agreement was signed by leaders of both communities in the presence of the state Commissioner of Police Kogi state Command. “On reaching home after the Lokoja Peace Agreement, the people engaged each other in another orgy of violence in which homes were razed. “The Commissioner of Police had to detain their traditional rulers and some prominent sons over that flagrant disregard for peace and amicable resolution of the issue” said Ojonide Acho. Video clips in circulation on the social media indicated that the level of violence this time is far more devastating than previous ones. A source disclosed that Ishi village was razed down completely with no house left standing. “Women and children had to fled to neighbouring villages to take refuge in Primary schools and Churches. The Guardian learnt that the violence escalated on Thursday as mercenaries were brought in by one of the communities to fight their enemies. At the time of filling this report, there were strong indications that the violence has extended to other neighboring villages due to suspicion that such villages are hosting their perceived enemies. There are also heighten fears that Aluaja people are planning to attack Iru people tonight
