One year after a land dispute between Ikphele and Iviukhua communities in Agenebode, Etsako-east local government area of Edo led to the death of Mr Oseni Ekhamheye, clashes have broken out of neighbouring Apana community over leadership tussle.
The crisis caused by poorly arranged process for the the Kingship stool has resulted in killing of some persons and burning of houses in the once peaceful Apana community.
The leadership tussle which is between the families of Chief Odimalo Kareem and Chief Okhai Ude however took a new twist on Tuesday.
According to members of the community, the crisis has been on for decades, as both factions claim to be real owners of the number one seat.
“nobody want to compromise, nobody wants to agree for peace to reign. People are being killed every now and then, houses destroyed. Why will people not run?.
“people are leaving in their numbers. Nobody wants to stay here again. Three of my brothers left last week and I don’t think they will ever come back if things don’t change.”, a community leader who craved anonymity narrated to our correspondent at Etsako-West local government area.
The leader lamented that those who lose they lives are mostly youths, as police have arrested and detain others alleged to be behind the crisis.
She frowned at what she referred to as “influential persons” backing a faction in the crisis.
It was further gathered that secretary of the community, Mr Emmanuel Francis was among those rounded up and has since been in detention since 2009.
Also, his son Emmanuel Joseph who has been living in the community has relocated earlier this year to an unknown destination after he escaped attack on their family compound at Apana.
It was learnt the attackers had come for some community documents in his father’s possession.
Meanwhile sights of burnt vehicles and structures litter parts of the community, as the crisis has adversely affected socioeconomic activities in the predominantly agricultural community.
