A dispute over water access in Ilughagba, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, led to a violent clash on Monday, resulting in six injuries and the destruction of several shops.
The confrontation began around 6 p.m. when a local resident fetching water from the community’s only borehole had his bucket forcibly removed by an unidentified member of the Hausa community.
The incident quickly escalated into a broader conflict.
Eyewitness Bolu Dauda reported that six individuals sustained various injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
The borehole at the center of the dispute was donated years ago by philanthropist and businessman Barr. Tunde Ayeni and remains the primary water source for the growing population.
The situation has been further complicated by unfulfilled promises. Mangal Cement had previously agreed, under a Community Development Agreement (CDA), to drill six additional boreholes to alleviate the water crisis.
However, the project has not been implemented, adding to residents’ frustrations.
To contain the unrest, Ijumu Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna, deployed multiple security agencies, including the Military, DSS, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kogi State Vigilante Service, and local hunters.
He reassured residents of their right to local resources and urged for peace.
Residents are now appealing to the state government to step in, ensure the fulfillment of the CDA agreement, and hold those responsible for the violence accountable to prevent further disputes.
