BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO
LOKOJA — Violence erupted, yesterday, in Egbe, the commercial hub of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State following the killing, Wednesday, of a farmer allegedly by Fulani herdsmen.
According to an eye witness, Mr. Tope Kekereawo, the deceased, whose name was simply given as John, was killed in his farm at about 8 am, just eight days after his wedding.
Kekereawo who disclosed that he shared farm demarcation with the deceased said he had gone to the farm with the late John and when they first sighted the herdsmen in their farms, a brief argument ensued after which they all departed.
He said the deceased had complained about cows eating up his farm products and warned the herdsmen who were two in number to depart.
He said: “However, five minutes after, I was working in my farm when I heard John crying for help. I rushed there only to meet him rolling in the pool of his blood. He must have been cut in the stomach as parts of his bowel was exposed.”
The witness said he immediately called for assistance from nearby roadside and the victim was rushed to ECWA Hospital, Egbe where he was confirmed dead.
Vanguard gathered that the next day after the manhunt for the culprits did not yield fruit, irate youths in town were said to have turned the heat on Hausa/Fulanis living in the community which led to subsequent burning of the popular Sabo Market at Isaba area of the town, forcing the Hausa traders to scamper for safety.
Police spokesman, Umanu Nwaneri, who confirmed the incident said two persons had been arrested in connection with the crisis.
Though he refused to mention the casualty figure, a local source confirmed to Vanguard that four other persons were killed in retaliation, bringing the casualties from the two camps to five.
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