By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN—Tension  heightened in Edo North senatorial district of Edo State, yesterday, as one person was feared dead while several others were injured in a communal clash between the Uneme-Erhurhun in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area and Okpella Ogute in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.

The tension forced the Army to move in to avoid further killings.

Vanguard learned that the crisis may not be unconnected with the precious stones deposits in the area currently being exploited by a popular company in the country. The area with the precious stones deposits is being claimed by both communities.

However, it was learned that the latest clash occured when some youths from Erhurhu community allegedly barricaded the road to the forest to prevent some Okpella residents from conveying log of woods.

A fight broke out in the process leading to the death of one of the youths while houses, vehicles and motorcycles were destroyed.