Lokoja — A clash between members of the Hausa community and indigenes of Iluagba in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State left six people injured and several shops destroyed on Monday evening. The conflict was reportedly triggered by a disagreement over access to the only functioning borehole in the area.
The incident occurred around 6 p.m. when an indigene of Iluagba was drawing water from the borehole, which was installed years ago by philanthropist and business mogul, Tunde Ayeni. According to eyewitnesses, a yet-to-be-identified Hausa man allegedly removed the indigene’s bucket and replaced it with his own, leading to a heated exchange.
Bolu Dauda, an eyewitness, told journalists that what started as a verbal argument quickly escalated into a violent confrontation involving both sides. “It was sudden. One moment, they were arguing; the next, it turned into a full-blown fight with every available weapon being used,” Dauda recounted.
In the ensuing chaos, six indigenes sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Additionally, several shops in the vicinity were vandalized during the clash, causing significant losses to local traders.
Underlying Tensions Over Water Scarcity
The incident has shed light on the long-standing issue of water scarcity in Iluagba. The borehole, which serves as the community’s sole water source, has been under pressure due to increasing demand. Tensions have reportedly been simmering for months over the access to this vital resource.
Community leaders attributed the crisis to the failure of a cement company to fulfill its Community Development Agreement (CDA) to install six additional boreholes. As part of the CDA, the company had pledged to sink boreholes to alleviate the water challenges faced by the Iluagba community. However, years later, the commitment remains unfulfilled, exacerbating frustrations among residents.
A community elder, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, criticized the company’s inaction, stating, “If the boreholes had been provided as promised, this crisis could have been avoided. We call on the state government to compel the company to honor its agreement and provide lasting solutions to our water problems.”
Calls for Government Intervention
In response to the incident, local leaders and residents have urged the Kogi State government to intervene swiftly to restore peace and prevent a recurrence. They called for an immediate investigation to hold those responsible for the violence accountable.
A spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command confirmed that security personnel had been deployed to the area to prevent further violence and safeguard lives and property. “Our officers are on the ground to restore order. An investigation has been launched to apprehend the perpetrators,” the spokesperson said.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the clash, there are growing calls for the state government and relevant authorities to address the underlying issues of water scarcity and infrastructural neglect that have fueled tensions in the area.
