Two people dead, 40 houses burnt down, as communities clash

The violence is believed to have been sparked when one of four people from Uneme- Ekpedo community, who had gone to the bush to pluck mangoes, was murdered by persons sus­pected to be members of Bekuma-Opkamere.

Following this, young men from Uneme-Ekpedo community reportedly mobilised and at­tacked Bekuma-Okpa­meri, setting houses ablaze and attacking innocent community dwellers.

Over 40 houses, including the palace of the Oba of Be­kuma-Okpameri, HRH Oba Moses Alabi, were set on fire, while scores of people, who were wounded are now receiv­ing medical treatment at hospitals.

“As I’m talking to you now, there is nobody in Bekuma-Okpameri. It was unbelievable. The youths have completely sacked the community and resi­dents are now camped in Lampese,” a member of a fact-finding team sent to the communities said.

Confirming the inci­dent, Edo State Commis­sioner of Police, Chris Ezike, said five police teams have been dis­patched to the affected communities to investigate the matter and to bring perpetra­tors to book.