Five Dead, Several Missing After Herdsmen-Farmer Conflict in Kogi Community

At least five people have been confirmed dead, and a significant number of residents are reported missing or injured following a brutal clash between herdsmen and peasant farmers in the Ejule-Ojebe community, situated within Kogi State's Ibaji Local Government Area.

The conflict erupted on Saturday, reportedly initiated when suspected herdsmen allegedly took the life of a farmer en route to his farmland. This incident is said to stem from an ongoing dispute concerning the destruction of crops in the locality.

Sources from the community indicate that the news of the farmer's death served as a catalyst, igniting a violent confrontation that persisted for two days. Villagers, upon hearing the news, are said to have mobilised in response to the alleged perpetrators.

"While pursuing the suspected killers of the farmer on Saturday, the body of a woman was discovered along a farm path. Subsequently, two more bodies belonging to residents were found on Sunday within the community," a local resident recounted.

The death of a fifth individual, identified as Suleiman, on Sunday, has added to the confusion and distress. He was reportedly tracked from the troubled Ejule-Ojebe community to a village near the Ibaji-Idah border and killed shortly after returning from his farm.

"As a consequence of the escalating situation, numerous residents have sought refuge in safer areas to escape the ongoing violence. For now, five residents have been confirmed dead in the crisis, though several others remain missing," stated Omachonu, a resident of Ejule-Ojebe.

Following the hostilities, a mass exodus of herdsmen was observed from the Ibaji community on Monday. They were seen moving towards the Oforachi, Ikpokawo, and Odolu areas in the neighbouring Igala-Mela/Odolu Local Government Area.

The Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, representing the Ibaji State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, has acknowledged the incident. He confirmed that the violent clashes in Ejule Ojebe, within the Ibaji Local Government Area, have led to a "tragic loss of lives."