Posted by By GODDY OSUJI Abakaliki and EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri on
No fewer than five persons were feared dead in a clash between Ezzillo and Ezza Communities in Ishielu Local Government area of Ebonyi State over the weekend. Atleast 50 others suffered dmachete injuries while over hundred houses were torched. Also affected were market stalls and goods worth several millions of naira burnt in the crisis that lasted several hours.
No fewer than five persons were feared dead in a clash between Ezzillo and Ezza Communities in Ishielu Local Government area of Ebonyi State over the weekend. Atleast 50 others suffered dmachete injuries while over hundred houses were torched. Also affected were market stalls and goods worth several millions of naira burnt in the crisis that lasted several hours.
In another development, no fewer than four persons were confirmed dead at Ughweru town in Ughelli and five women are currently receiving treatment at the Central Hospital, Sapele in Delta State following the mayhem that visited last Saturday's local government polls.
Similarly, no election took place in Ughelli North council area due to non availability of electoral materials from Asaba, just as there was no voting in Ogbudugbudu Ward 2 of Warri North council following mass protest by PDP women over the imposition of one Mr. Longlife Yebu on the Ward as councilor.
The deceased remains were deposited at the Police Area Commander's Office, Ughelli while further investigation into the matter would commence immediately, according to a top police officer.
The cause of the crisis, Daily Sun gathered, started when an Ezzillo indigene wanted to erect a structure which was vehemently resisted by the Ezza people.
According to the account, the disagreement sparked a clash leading to the burning of two motorcycles, following which both communities were said to have reinforced and the crisis escalated.
When Daily Sun visited the scene of the incident, men of the Nigerian police and a detachment of the Nigerian Army were seen guarding the communities to restore peace.
Chairman of Ishielu Local Government Area, Barr. Onwa Ali, confirmed that one person from Ezzillo has been confirmed dead and several others seriously injured.
Onwa, who was worried at the level of destruction of life and property at the community, disclosed that he immediately contacted the Commissioner of Conflict and Border Security to liaise with the State governor on how to draft the police and Army to the area so as to restore peace.
According to the Chairman, the Commissioner of Police was later contacted and anti-riot squad was drafted to the area, while men of the Nigerian Army moved in to forestall further killings and destruction of property.
Meanwhile, several people have fled the area and are taking refuge at the Police Headquarters, Ezillo, while youth corps members serving in the area were moved to the Military Cantonment, Nkwagu for safety. Fears of likely spread of the crisis has continued to grip residents of the area as the two communities are poised for war.
When contacted, the Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) Nudan Fredrick Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said that a contingent of mobile police men has been drafted to the area to ensure a 24 hour surveillance to the area.
He noted that the police would not relent in its effort in ensuring the security of life and properties of the people and urged people to go about their normal duties as the police would ensure the security of life and properties.
One of the victims whose house was burnt told Daily Sun that the incident has left her and her children homeless and asked for the assistance of the state government.
It would be recalled that almost a year ago the two communities also clashed which also claimed lives.