Many feared killed in Kogi communal clash

Fresh violence between the Itale and Ishi communities in Kogi State has left many feared dead and several houses destroyed in Ibaji Local Government Area. Residents said armed youths suspected to be from a rival community invaded Ishi village on Tuesday in what appeared to be a reprisal attack linked to a long-running dispute over […]

Fresh violence between the Itale and Ishi communities in Kogi State has left many feared dead and several houses destroyed in Ibaji Local Government Area.

Residents said armed youths suspected to be from a rival community invaded Ishi village on Tuesday in what appeared to be a reprisal attack linked to a long-running dispute over farmlands and fishing ponds.

Sources in the area said several people were killed during the clash, while homes, foodstuffs and other valuables worth millions of naira were burnt.

A community leader, Apeh Kelvin, President of the Ibaji Progressive Youth Foundation, said tensions had remained high since a bloody clash in November 2025.

Another resident, Omachonu Atule, alleged that armed men stormed Ishi community and razed houses, forcing residents to flee to neighbouring villages.

However, the Kogi State Police Command confirmed only two deaths.

Police Commissioner, CP Naziru Kankarofi, said security operatives, including naval personnel, vigilantes and local security groups, were deployed after a distress call was received on May 6.

According to a statement by the police spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, security operatives recovered two corpses, rescued an injured victim and recovered 57 expended cartridges from the scene.

The police said several buildings and bags of rice had already been set ablaze before security teams restored calm.

Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued the remaining victims abducted from Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits had kidnapped 26 pupils and two wives of the orphanage proprietor during an attack on April 26.

Security operatives earlier rescued 17 victims during a counter-operation.

In a statement, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, said troops under Operation Tiger Paw II rescued the remaining victims on May 6 after sustained search operations.

The rescued victims included five boys, two girls and two adult women. The Army said they received medical attention and are in stable condition.