No fewer than five persons were yesterday killed at Ekowe, Oporoma/Peremabiri and Ogbia communities of Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State when youths of the communities clashed with some suspected militants who kidnapped the son of the local government chairman, leaving about 20 persons seriously injured.
Sources close to The Tide indicate that problem started soon after the boy, a primary two pupil of Aunty Maris School, Benin City, was dropped off in school by his father’s driver.
Moments after, according to the council Chairman, Monday Aihobahe, some hoodlums invaded the school, picked up the boy and headed to Ekowe, a riverine community.
On getting wind of the development, youths of the area led by Ogedegbe Clinton, who had earlier vowed to work with the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in resisting kidnapping of expatriates and bunkering activities in the area, organised themselves and laid ambush for the kidnappers, a move which resulted in the casualties.
An eyewitness told our correspondent that on getting to Ekowe community, the youths and the militants engaged themselves in exchange of fire, leading to the killing of five persons and injuring 20 while the building belonging to the father of Mr. Ogedegbe was burnt down.
Following the exchange of fire, the eyewitness said, the villagers have fled to neighbouring towns for fear of further attacks.
Speaking with journalists, the Chairman, Hon. Monday Aihobahe said the kidnappers, who succeeded in taking his son away, have not made any contact with him, while the incident has been reported at the Ogida Police Station.
When our reporter contacted the state Police Commissioner, Alhaji Danlami Yar’Adua for comment, he said they were aware of the incident and that they were working hard to track down the kidnappers.