More than seven persons have been allegedly killed in a resumed hostility between Emede and Igbide communities of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
NewsNet gathered that the latest clash between both communities which took place on Tuesday has also resulted to burning of houses and many persons who are now displaced seeking refuge in neighbouring communities and beyond.
A source who spoke with NewsNet on condition of annoynimity said, “As I speak with you now my wife’s junior brother from Emede has parked to my house in Ughelli.
“Igbide is attacking Emede with over seven persons from Emede killed by the attackers from Igbide.
“The people of Emede are yet to retaliate but are fortifying themselves against further attacks from Igbide,” the source alleged.
In a phone chat with NewsNet, the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government, Hon Itiako Ikpokpo, who confirmed the resumed hostility between both communities said, “I am not aware of the number of casualties but by the end of today(Thursday) we should confirm; some persons are missing, two dead bodies so far have been found.
“We were shocked when the hostility started and I have been in touch with both communities.
“As far as I am concerned, it is not a crisis when people are killing, manslaughter and arsoning; when you destroy peoples property.
“I believe it is for us to begin to look at it from that perceptive.
“The police and army have responded and currently on ground between both communities as well as beginning to effect positive arrest,” said Ikpokpo.
On what triggered the resumed hostility between Emede and Igbide communities, Ikpokpo said, “Only the communities can tell us because as a government there was no reason for this resumed hostility.
“We are already talking on issues raised by both communities at the highest before only for this to happen.”
When contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the report in a telephone chat with our Correspondent.
She said, “As at yesterday night(Wednesday) nineteen houses have been razed down following the hostility between both communities but, the number of deaths as at in the morning(Wednesday) was two.”
