Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
A person was reportedly beheaded and seven houses set ablaze in Ogute-Oke community, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, following a dispute involving a woman.
The violent incident occurred shortly after the community concluded celebrations for its Olimi Festival.
Sources said several residents fled the area in the aftermath of the attack to avoid possible arrest as security agencies launched investigations into the incident.
Sources who did not want their names in print, said trouble started in the community during a party to celebrate the burial of a popular chief in the locality.
The sources said a guy was annoyed that another guy was dancing with the girl he brought to the party.
It was learnt that the guy reportedly used cutlass to inflict injury on the neck of the other guy which led to his death.
Edo Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Godwin Eshieshie, who hails from the community, said elders have waded into the matter.
He said, “They were celebrating. In the process, a guy was engaging a girl, another guy came from behind to start dancing.
“They have issues and one went to get cutlass. He used the cutlass on another person not connected to their quarrel. They took them injured guy to the hospital and he was confirmed dead.
“The families of the deceased carried out reprisal attacks and burnt houses. There was no quarrel that warranted the cutlass.
“Our elders have calmed down the situation. I planned to visit the community as quickly as possible.”
However, when the Edo State Police Command image maker, Eno Ikoedem was contacted for comment, she did not pick her calls as her phone.
