Ondo
Fears of reprisal in Ilaje communities over alleged murder of Ijaw
There is pervasive tension in some communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State over fears of reprisal attack by Ijaw youths to avenge the alleged murder of one of their kinsmen.
Residents of the riverine communities, especially children and women, were said to have started fleeing in large numbers for fear of reprisal attack.
The tensed situation began when Bekewei Mayomi Alonge, age 35, who had gone missing on October 2 after leaving Gbaramatu Community, Delta State, for work, was found murdered the next day.
Bekewei’s family members and friends confirmed that the deceased arrived in the Ilaje community of Awoye, pointing out that he was said to have been spotted in a specific hotel in the community.
According to sources, the deceased was also allegedly spotted by some Ijaw people with his wrists, legs, and waist all bound with heavy objects.