Two first-class Chiefs arrested and detained over communal clash in Kogi

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has ordered the arrest and detention of two first-class chiefs in Bassa Local Government of the State over a communal clash.

This was conveyed in a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mohammed Onogwu. 

The Chiefs’ names were given as Ohiegba of Mozum, HRH Khalid Bukar Ali and the Aguma of Bassa kingdom, HRH William Keke, and it was also learnt that the Divisional Security Officer (DSO ) of Bassa Local Government Area and some Government appointees have been placed under security watch for their roles in the bloodletting that has claimed innocent lives and the destruction of properties in the enclave.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the recent crisis was sparked off by an alleged murder of a Bassa Komu palm wine tapper in a community of the council. The government said the renewed hostility between the warring tribes in the community has claimed nine lives and the destruction properties in the process.

It was also learnt that Governor Bello had warned the two first-class rulers and stakeholders of the areas in 2018 to do everything within their means to stop the unending bloodshed in their community.

He had also threatened to take action against them if they failed to put their house in order for peaceful coexistence.

The two traditional rulers are to be placed under house arrest for now.