No fewer than four persons have been confirmed dead in a violent clash between youths of Ikpoba Okha local government area led by one Imafidon Osamudiamen Raphael and those of Uhunmwode local government area of Edo state over a land allocated to MTN , a telecommunication company to erect a telecom mast.
It was gathered that MTN first approached youths of. Ikpoba Okha local government to acquire land for the purpose of erecting a mast on December 7th, 2011.
The violent clash which started December 11th,2011 lasted for two weeks leading to destruction of lives and property worth milions of naira in both communities.
According to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity ,the telecommunication company approached Ikpoba Okha youths through its leader Imafidon Osamudiamen Raphael requesting for a plot of land to be acquired for erecting a mast / base station for improved communication services in the community and beyond which was thereafter approved.
Speaking further, the source stated that Uhunmwode youths who learnt of the development and employment opportunities the erection of the telecom mast would bring to Ikpoba Okha local government decided to approach the telecom company to terminate the terms of agreement with Ikpoba Okha community .
The allocated plot of land, according to findings , actually belonged to Ikpoba Okha local government
The Nigerian Observer was reliably informed that owing to the impasse between both communities in relation to the. allocated plot of land to MTN , a violent crisis erupted between youths of both communities on December 11th 2011 .
It was said that the violent clash between youths of both communities led to the use of dangerous weapons leading to the deaths of four persons in the two communities respectively.
The clash which lasted for two weeks was however brought under control when the police arrested some members of both communities while others escaped .
Amongst those who escaped during the arrest were Imafidon Osamudiamen Raphael, John Osas ,Billy Osato and Oghogho Igbinigie .
A statement released by the police in Benin city stated that while it (police) has been able to restore peace and normalcy in both communities by quelling the clash , arrests had also being made adding that the suspects involved in the clash would soon be charged to court.
The statement further said ,though while it is regrettable that lives were lost in the clash which started on December 11th, 2011 and property worth millions of naira destroyed by the hoodlums, it will leave nothing to chance in ensuringk the youth leader Imafidon Osamudiamen Raphael and others who have fled both communities are arrested and brought to justice .
The police in it’s statement thereafter declared wanted all the fleeing suspects including the youth leaders of both communities .
Meanwhile the families of those who lost their loved ones in the clash are also threatening to avenge the deaths of their relatives vowing that they would not give peace a chance unless justice was served in their favour
