Man killed, seven houses burned over fight in Edo

One man has been killed and seven houses set on fire in Ogute-Oke community, Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State. This happened after a fight broke out over a girl.

The incident occurred soon after the community had its Olimi festival and a party to honor a well-known chief who had passed away.

Many people reportedly fled the area to avoid police arrest.

A source, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “Trouble started in the community during a party to celebrate the burial of a popular chief in the locality.

“A guy became annoyed that another guy was dancing with the girl he brought to the party. The guy reportedly used a cutlass to inflict injury on the neck of the other guy which led to his death.”

Relatives of the deceased reportedly attacked the home of the suspected killer and burned seven houses as other residents ran away to avoid being attacked.

Edo Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Godwin Eshieshie, who is from the community, said elders have stepped in to handle the situation.

He said, “They were celebrating. In the process, a guy was engaging a girl when another guy came from behind and started dancing. They have issues and one went to get a cutlass. He used the cutlass on another person not connected to their quarrel. They took the injured guy to the hospital and he was confirmed dead.”

“The families of the deceased carried out reprisal attacks and burnt houses. No quarrel warranted the cutlass. Our elders have calmed down the situation. I planned to visit the community as quickly as possible.”

Edo Police spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, did not respond to calls at the time of this report.