Several lives lost in Edo communal clash – Army

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday confirmed the loss of several lives and property in a communal clash in Ukhuorumi, Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.
Captain Roslyn Managbe, the Public Relations Officer, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin.
Managbe said: “We have yet to make any arrest.
“We arrived at the location after the damage had been done.
“We are on ground to forestall any further crisis and to bring peace back to the community.”
Witnesses, who spoke to NAN on the condition of anonymity, said that the clash was between members of Ukhorumi Community Development Association loyal to two rival leaders of the association.
“As we speak, the community is deserted by the people for fear of possible reprisal attacks, as many cars and buildings were burnt by the combatants yesterday,” one of the witnesses told NAN.
The witnesses said that trouble started when some CDA members, who were loyal to the association’s vice chairman, allegedly tried to wrest power from the incumbent chairman.
The source said: “The reaction that followed was spontaneous, as gunshots rent the air.
“Several cars and houses, belonging to members of the two opposing factions, were torched in the ensuing fight and not less than 10 persons reportedly died in the fracas.”