A fiesty clash between Obi and Otukpo youths at Ijegwu in Obi Local Government Area of Benue state over electricity failure has claimed the lives of three persons and houses razed with fire.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Catherine Anene who confirmed the incedence said “yes I got the report that two communities were fighting over a cut in electricity supply”
She said, “however i am yet to get the details of what happened from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area”
According to an eyewitness who spoke to our correspondent on phone and do not want his name in print said the youths of Ijegwu of Obi LG suspected sabotage of the high tension cable which supplies power to the two LGAs at a switch located in their area by Otukpo youths
He said, “upon getting to the switch to confirm their suspicion, one of the youths climbed the pole to check the switch and in the process some yet to be identify youths alleged to come from Otukpo came and shot sporadically leading to the death of one person.
It was also gathered that the Ijegwu youths, thereafter mobilized for a counterattack in which another two people were killed.
The Second Class Chief in Obi LG, Adutu’Obi, Chief Chris Ijale, who also confirmed the incident said that men of the Police Force and Nigerian Army had since mobilized to the area and have restored calm.
The Monarch called on youths from both sides to toe the path of peace by engaging relevant authorities whenever they have grievances.
He also called on security agencies and JED to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring culprits to book.