June 12, (THEWILL) – The Kogi state Government has arrested two first class traditional rulers in Bassa Local Government Area of the state, over suspected roles and inability to checkmate the communal crisis in their communities.
The two traditional rulers, the Ohiegba of Mozum, Khalid Bukar Ali and the Aguma of Bassa kingdom, William Keke, are being detained over the festering internecine crisis in the local government.
The State governor, Yahaya Bello, who ordered the arrests, also placed the Divisional Security Officer (DSO) of the Local Government and some Government appointees, under security watch for their roles in the violence that has claimed many lives and properties.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Galaticus Onogwu, noted that the resurgence of recent crisis in the area occurred as a result of an alleged murder of a Bassa Komu palm wine tapper .
The palm wine tapper, David Daku, a resident of Uga Cheure, was killed in his farm near Oguma.
According to the locals, the killing of Daku enraged the Bassa Kwomu, who alleged that the Igburra Mozum people would have been behind his death
However, while security agents were still investigating the matter, another Bassa Komu man was said to have been killed same day at Koromu, near Udogbo.
On Thursday, June 2, 2022, another two Bassa Kwomu people were reported killed at Sheria farm and Korumu village.
According to the villagers, the deaths sparked hostilities in Udogbo and Mozum towns, during which many have been killed and properties worth millions destroyed.
Meanwhile, the spate of crisis angered Governor Yahaya Bello, who has since 2018, vowed to deal ruthlessly with any traditional ruler in Bassa whose community start up any crisis.
The Governor consequently ordered for the arrest of the traditional rulers.
The State Government said it is determined to ensure every suspect in the crisis is brought to justice, as well as restoring lasting peace in the troubled Bassaland.
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