—- Ajaokuta reps member, condemns act, calls for caution, calm.
AbdulAhad Otuoze
Eleven persons have been reportedly killed in Onyokumi community in Adogu ward in Ajaokuta local government council of the state over fish pond dispute between Adogu/Ogodo communities
It was gathered that the incident occured over the weekend when some youths from one of the warring community visited the fish pond for inspection and they were ambushed and nine people were killed while several other people sustained serious injuries.
According to source, three years ago crisis occured which make everybody in that community to move to other places to avoid problem.
The sources added that since that period the area has been deserted until over the weekend when some youths visited the land to inspect the fish pond and they were attacked by another youths from one part of the community.
Source said that dangerous weapons were used to attack one another during the crisis.
When contacted the KogI state police command public relations officer, DSP William Ayah for confirmation, he said his office was yet to be brief by the DPO at Ajaokuta police station.
Meanwhile, the Member Representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency Hon Lawal Muhammadu Idirisu has condemned in strong terms the recent killings of some of his constituents as a result of the communal clashes between two communities, Adogu and Onyokumi .
The Member 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.
The Member 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 taking 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 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 Member 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 his 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 killed last 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.
End.
