Auchi – The significance of land cannot be overemphasized. Land enjoys a universal level of attachment and in Africa, that attachment assumes a rather frightening dimension as life and living depend on land. This is particularly more so in the southern part of the country where disputes over land as been far more frequent and far reaching as communities and families clash over land ownership, control and use in a bloody convulsive war that has left losers in all sides.
Report reaching our news desk from Auchi the administrative capital of Etsako West Local Government of Edo State has it that no fewer than three persons have lost their lives in a land conflict. According to our investigation, trouble started when one young man identified as Michael Ozemhoya lost his life in a duel with another young boy named Shaibu Oseni over a disputed piece of land along Warrake Road in Auchi.
According to an eye witness that spoke to our news crew on the condition of anonymity, the deceased Michael Ozemhoya allegedly brought out a locally made pistol and pointed it at the said Shaibu Oseni who quickly rushed towards the deceased and started trying to wrest the gun from him. The gun mistakenly went off in the process killing Michael Ozemhoya.
Our investigation further revealed that the aggrieved family of Michael Ozemhoya who hail from Igarra mobilized themselves and stormed Auchi in an apparent revenge mission but were stopped on their tracks by members of the vigilante group, Auchi Security Network. In an unexpected and unexplainable turn of events, members of the vigilante group started arguing amongst themselves and a fight broke out involving the use of fire arms that led to the death of two vigilante members identified as Tijani Oseni and Reuben Johnson. Several other persons sustained injuries and are presently receiving treatments at an undisclosed hospital.
As at press time, unusual calm has descended on Warrake Road axis of the town as the police Area Commander of the Auchi Area Command has deplored policemen around the vicinity and declared everybody involved in the clashes wanted. As at press time, the whereabouts of Shaibu Oseni who accidentally shot dead Michael Ozemhoya is yet to be ascertained as he is alleged to have gone into hiding as he fears not just police arrest but also reprisal attack from the deceased family. The leaders of the Auchi Security Network are currently in police custody for questioning and possible prosecution.
