6 die, several wounded as youths clash in Kogi

By Isiaka Oyibo

LOKOJA — RESIDENTS of Okengwe district in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State have fled the area following a violent clash yesterday among youths in the area, which resulted in the deaths of six persons and scores injured.

Confirming the development, Chairman of Okene Local Government, Alhaji Yahaya Karaku, said houses were also torched by the rampaging youths.

Karaku told newsmen that the cause of the clash might not be unconnected with attempts by the youths to resuscitate the “Echaane” festival, which has been banned by the state government.

He said they violated the government order by allowing the masquerade to come out, saying it was in the process of celebrating that they eventually carried arms against each other.

The Police Officer in charged of Okene Command who also corroborated the statement of the chairman noted that more security operatives were being drafted to the area to forestall break down of law and order.