Chukwudi Akasike, Port Harcourt Two persons were reportedly killed during a fresh communal clash in Lewe community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, when youths suspected to be from neighbouring Bomu village invaded the community on Monday. It was gathered that three houses and other properties were also destroyed during the incident, which occurred […]
Chukwudi Akasike, Port Harcourt
Two persons were reportedly killed during a fresh communal clash in Lewe community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, when youths suspected to be from neighbouring Bomu village invaded the community on Monday.
It was gathered that three houses and other properties were also destroyed during the incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day.
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A source from Lewe community disclosed that the assailants came from the neighbouring community and took them unawares, adding that apart from the two persons that lost their lives, some persons were also injured.
The source, who preferred not to be mentioned, told our correspondent that the fresh communal clash was coming on the heels of a recent fight between the two villages few months ago.
“The one that happened on Monday is a fresh attack; we can recall that there was also a clash about three months ago. Gokana is one of the local government areas in Ogoniland and we are calling on the government to intervene to forestall a recurrence of the crisis,” the source added.
It was learnt that the clash between Bomu and Lewe was related to land, even as another source, who identified himself as Godwin Naaku, stated that the disagreement, which had been on for decades had defied every peace move.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident, saying that a team of policemen had gone to the area to restore peace and arrest those responsible for the breach of peace.
“I can confirm the attack on Lewe Community, where it was alleged that Bomu people launched an unwarranted attack on Lewe, leaving three houses burnt.
“However, the timely intervention of our men from Bomu Area Command, Kpor Division 56 PMF and JTF brought the situation under control and they immediately retracted.
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“Our men are still there as efforts have been intensified to apprehend all the perpetrators and guard against any reprisal. So far, normalcy has been restored and people are going about their lawful activities,” Omoni said.
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