The communal clash in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State escalated Sunday, leading to 22 persons’ deaths, while several others were injured.

The escalated clash resulted in devastating attacks on seven farming communities namely: Marindoti, Gbelemontin Domiju, Kola Village, Taiye Camp, Eto Camp, Dipe Community, Bala Dele Community, and Thousand Community.

Recall that INFO DAILY, while quoting the Edo State Police Command spokesman, Moses Yamu reported that five persons died and four others injured in the clash between cocoa farmers and some alleged produce thieves.

The clash which started on Thursday night escalated on Friday morning as those believed to be sympathetic to the victims of the Thursday night fight, mobilised and launched a counter attack on Friday morning .

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But continuing the fight on Sunday, eyewitnesses said the assailants, stormed the settlements early in the morning, wielding firearms and other weapons.

“They came into our community, shooting and burning houses. They killed 15 people, and many more were injured,” said Nafisat Abdulazeez, a resident of Dipe community.

The attackers unleashed terror by shooting indiscriminately, setting houses ablaze, and destroying property, including motorcycles and vehicles.

The onslaught forced residents to flee en masse, abandoning their homes and livelihoods.

Igbala Obazuaye, the head of Marindoti community, who sustained bullet wounds, said the assailants evaded the community around 8 am, killing seven persons in his community alone.

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“It started in 1998 when some youths began encroaching on our land, stealing our crops, and kidnapping our people, notwithstanding the payment of the royalties,” he said.

Obazuaye appealed for military protection, the establishment of a local police station, and assistance in rebuilding their communities.

“They burnt cocoa, kola nut, and cash worth more than N20 million,” he added.

The Police in Edo, however, confirmed only seven killed and six injured, saying a preliminary investigation suggested a communal clash.

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Joseph Otu refuted the claim that the attack was communal, saying it was an unprovoked attack by militants aiming to extort and terrorize peaceful farmers.

Otu also urged authorities to deploy security forces to safeguard the area, highlighting the communities’ significant contributions to the state’s economy through the cultivation of crops like cocoa, kola nuts, and plantains.

Usman Mukaila of Dipe community lauded the immediate deployment of men of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, calling for the establishment of an Army beat in the area.

“We commend the Commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, for the immediate intervention and deployment of soldiers.

“That has helped to calm the situation for now. If not for him, the rest of the people would have gone. We also thank the governor,” he said.