Ankpa LGA Chairman Intervenes to Quell Communal Clash in Ikah, Enhances Security in Hotspots
The Executive Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area, Engineer Ademu Muhammed Yahaya, has swiftly intervened in a violent communal clash between residents of Ikah Odele and Ikah Ichala within the Ikah Community, Ankpa LGA, Kogi State.
Responding promptly to the crisis, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, led a team of security operatives to the scene, restoring order after the conflict erupted over a minor dispute.
A statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Ankpa LGA Chairman, Idris Mohammed Omale (Orator), confirmed preliminary reports from the Community Leader of Ikah-Ichala, Elder Audu Stephen. The incident resulted in the destruction of five houses, the burning of four motorcycles and one vehicle, the death of a 70-year-old man, and severe injuries to two individuals who were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
In a decisive move, CP Miller ordered the deployment of additional security personnel, including Tactical Teams from the State Headquarters, to reinforce security and prevent further escalation.
To address the underlying causes of the conflict, Engineer Ademu Muhammed Yahaya convened a high-level security meeting alongside CP Miller, the Kogi State Director of DSS, the Zonal Security Adviser to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, and other key security stakeholders. The meeting focused on fostering peace within Ikah-Ichala, as members of Ikah-Odele, who were allegedly responsible for the attack, had fled upon the arrival of security forces.
At the time of reporting, Community Leader Elder Audu confirmed that the prime suspects behind the attack remain at large, showing no remorse or intent to surrender their weapons. However, two individuals from Ikah-Ichala were identified as accomplices and were apprehended by local youths. The suspects were found in possession of sophisticated pump-action guns and were immediately handed over to law enforcement authorities.
Commending the Ikah-Ichala youth for their restraint and patriotism, Engineer Ademu praised their decision to avoid retaliatory attacks, preventing further bloodshed. He reiterated the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and urged all residents to embrace government-led dispute resolution mechanisms.
The Ankpa LGA Chairman reassured residents of the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the region, emphasizing that violent disputes would not be tolerated under his leadership.
CP Miller also commended the Chairman’s proactive leadership, stating:
“I can attest to Engineer Ademu’s unwavering commitment to ending the communal clashes between Ikah-Odele and Ikah-Ichala. His immediate briefing of Kogi State Governor, H.E. Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, prompted swift government action, ensuring our rapid intervention and restoring peace.”
To sustain stability in the area, CP Miller ordered intensified patrols and the immediate deployment of additional security personnel. He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that could aid ongoing investigations.
About Post Author
