A clash between residents of Akaibiri and Bumoundi communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has led to the killing of one person, Daily Trust reports.
It was gathered that the clash between the community members ensued over farming activities.
On October 6, 2024, Apah Abel, a resident of Bumoundi community was allegedly murdered over an allegation of stealing at the farm settlement in Anam.
According to the report, residents of both communities embarked on a reprisal spree by setting fire to the farm settlement.
While the Police in Bayelsa have confirmed that two people have been arrested over the killing of Mr Abel, residents of the communities have been warned to desist from taking laws into their own hands.
In his reaction, the deputy governor of the state, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement by his media aide called for the maintenance of law and order in the communities.
Urging farmers and residents alike to exercise restraint, Mr Ewhrudjakpo also said that every visitor must be introduced to the community leadership.
He said: “I want to appeal that all our communities in Ekpetiama should maintain the peace. CP should also liaise with other security agencies and maintain some security presence in the area until this matter is properly laid to rest.
“We encourage all our communities to have vigilantes so that this idea of self-help will be minimised. Because if the vigilantes were doing their job, this would not happen.
“And to the Anam people, you don’t have the right to kill a thief. You only have the right to catch a thief and hand the person over to law enforcement agents,” he said.
