20 Injured, Properties Destroyed In Violent Clash Between Youths In Edo

Adams-OshiomholeAt least 20 persons were on Friday wounded in a clash between rival youths at Ikpeshi community in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo.

The clash cropped up following a disagreement over who should collect levies from vehicle loaders in the community on behalf of the local government council.

Several residents fled from the community because of the clash, while properties worth millions of naira were destroyed while the violence raged.

A witness, Abbe Oboh, said the crisis started when one faction wanted to take over the collection of levies from the other group.

“The other faction refused and this led to a shootout among the youths,’’ he said.

Mr. Oboh said that the deployment of personnel from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the state police command, however, aided efforts to bring the situation under control.

Joseph Akerejola, the Chairman of Akoko Edo Local Government Council, said that normalcy had been restored to the area.

“The police are on top of the situation and everything is under control. The perpetrators of the crisis would, however, be brought to book,’’ he vowed.

(NAN)