2 Edo Communities Go To War Over Mango Fruit, 2 Killed, Palace Burnt

Two communities: Uneme-Ekpedo and Bekuma-Okpameri in Akoko-Edo local government area of Edo state have gone to war over mango fruit, resulting in the death of two persons even as 40 houses have been burnt down.

It was gathered that four persons from Uneme-Ekpedo community went to a bush to pluck mangoes but that one of them was reportedly killed by youths from Bekuma-Okpameri community, who claimed the mango tree belonged to them.

Angered by the incident, youths from Uneme-Ekpedo were said to have mobilized and invaded Bekuma-Okpameri killing residents and set houses ablaze.

The palace of the traditional ruler of Bekuma-Okpameri, HRH Moses Alabi, was also torched.

Persons injured in the attack are now receiving treatment at an emergency camp at Lampese, a neighboring community.

An eyewitness said: “as I am talking to you, there is nobody in Bekuma-Okpameri. It was unbelievable. The youths have completely sacked the community and residents are now camped in Lampese.”

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, confirmed the incident and said that a fact finding police team had been sent to the community to arrest the perpetrators. [myad]