Chieftaincy supremacy over the weekend set Acharu community in Dekina local government area on fire as two opposing groups clashed over the authorities of the two supposed title holders.
Treasuretimes gathered that the people of Acharu community who are predominantly farmers and businesses oriented have been living together in peace for several years until the recent upgrade of traditional rulers by Kogi state government.
It was gathered that stakeholders of the community have been clamouring for a recognized graded stool until the appointment of Abdul Omale as the Ogohi Acharu.
On the other hand, sources hinted that Efumare Family in charge of Farms in the area known as Onu-Oko, was allegedly struggling for the recognition of his title as Onu Acharu community before the present Ododo’s administration came on board.
These two beaded chiefs were allegedly upgraded to third class status at the same time in the community by the Kogi state government sometimes last upgrading of traditional rulers which according to the people was the Genesis of the crisis in the community.
The two chiefs in the same community gives directive to the people at will and which of the directives to follow became a problem as Peoples have a divided loyalty.
It was learnt that one of the chiefs directed his people to embark on the clearance of their only source of water pond in the community before the rain set in and to be guided with the custom and tradition of the land.
Sources told Journalists that the custom and tradition of the land was however, allegedly ignored by the supporters of the other chief.
According to an eye witness, irritates
Opposition Youths started throwing stones which later degenerated into destruction of life and property.
Many houses were set ablaze, others destroyed as many families deserted their homes for safety.
While several others sustain various degrees of injuries, it was gathered that the victim whom they gave his name as Imaye was hacked to death on the farm while harvesting his cashew with his Daughter alleging that he was a supporter of Ogohi Acharu group.
According to the daughter of the deceased who later gave an eye witness said the heavily armed Youths came in their numbers and hacked her father to death adding that even when her late father was in his pool of blood, one Ali amongst them removed the sales of the day from his late father’s pocket.
Many were said to have been arrested in connection with the Saturday disturbance at Acharu community.
Late Imaye has since been buried in his father’s compound at Ogene- Egume according to Islamic rites.
It was also gathered that the Chairman of Dekina local government council, Hon. John Urah, the Onu Egume, HRH, Chief Simon Ochimana and police Officers over the weekend visited the community for on the spot assessment of the damages done.
The Chairman therefore called for calm as efforts will be intensified to ensure that perpetrators of the crisis would be brought to book.
All efforts to speak with the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kogi Police command failed as her Mobile line was not going through.
