4 killed in Rivers communal clash

No fewer than four persons were killed yesterday in a clash between two communities of Gwara and Gwure in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Sources informed our correspondent that some youths from Gwara stormed Gwure community over a dispute concerning a young girl allegedly abducted and raped by Gwure youths.

It was gathered that five other persons were allegedly abducted and houses burnt in Gwure community in a reprisal attack.

The sources said a youth, whose name was not disclosed, had gone to visit her grandmother in Gwure, when some boys attacked and abused her sexually.

According to the source, the aggrieved youths chopped off the hand of one of the alleged perpetrators.

Youth President of Gwure community, Kpakue Famous, has appealed to security agencies and the authorities of the council to deploy more policemen to both communities to forestall further attacks.

Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Khana LGA, Gbene Lekue Zini, confirmed the killings, saying security agents had been deployed to both communities to restore peace.

When contacted, Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Namdi Omoni, said he was aware of the incident but could not confirm the number of persons that died.