Deputy Governor Leads Kogi Delegation To Ibaji As Ishi-Itale Communal Crisis Leaves Tears, Destruction In Its Wake

Akahi News learnt that the Kogi State Government has moved swiftly to douse the flames of a protracted communal crisis between the Ishi and Itale communities in Ibaji Local Government Area, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo dispatching his deputy to the epicentre of the conflict on Friday.

Comrade Joel Salifu, the Deputy Governor, led a high-powered delegation to Iyańo in Ibaji, where the latest eruption of violence has claimed lives and reduced properties to ashes. Akahi News gathered that the entourage included the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba; the State Security Adviser, Rtd. Commander Jerry Omodara; the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojoma; and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Hillary Ojoma Egwudah.

It was alleged that security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force (Idah Area Command), the Military, local vigilante services, and other security stakeholders also formed part of the delegation — a clear signal that the government was not here to play politics with people’s lives.

The Root Of The Trouble: Palm Fruits, Yams, And Fish Ponds

In his remarks before the delegation, a community leader identified as Mr. Idah Ojone traced the genesis of the Ishi-Itale crisis all the way back to 2020. Akahi News had earlier reported that many communal clashes in Nigeria often begin over seemingly minor resources — but for the families who lose sons and daughters, there is nothing minor about it.

According to Ojone, the disagreement started over ownership of palm fruits, yam produce, and fish ponds located within a disputed area. Efforts to resolve the matter at the traditional council level collapsed. Both parties then headed to court, seeking legal redress. But the court process did nothing to stop the bloodshed.

Over the years, reprisal attacks between youths of the two communities became a tragic cycle. The recent crisis, however, escalated beyond all previous bounds — resulting in loss of lives and the destruction of valuable property. How many more people must die before a land dispute is settled? That is the question hanging over the palm groves of Ibaji.

Ojone thanked the Kogi State Government for its swift intervention, but the gratitude in his voice could not mask the grief of a community in mourning.

Governor’s Message: “Embrace Peace, Stay Away From Crime”

Addressing residents of the two warring communities, Deputy Governor Salifu — speaking on behalf of Governor Ododo — delivered a message that was both firm and fatherly. He called on members of the affected communities to embrace peace and avoid any action capable of reigniting the fire.

“This administration will continue to work closely with security agencies and community leaders to ensure lasting peace and stability in the area,” he assured. He further reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across every corner of Kogi State.

The Deputy Governor also directed a stern warning to youths, elders, and community leaders: stay away from crime, cooperate with security agencies, and help maintain law and order. “Remain calm and law-abiding,” he urged. “The state government will take necessary steps to prevent a recurrence and ensure lasting peace.”

But here is the philosophical reflection that must accompany such promises: how many times have state governments visited crisis zones, spoken moving words, and then disappeared until the next explosion? Lasting peace is not built on speeches. It is built on justice — on clear resolution of land ownership, on accountability for those who incite violence, on economic opportunities that give restless youths something better to do than fight.

Security Adviser Speaks: No Blame Game, But Root Causes Must Die

Rtd. Commander Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser, took a different tone. He announced that the government, alongside security agencies and the communities themselves, would dig deep into the root causes of the problem and address them — permanently. And then came a remarkable pledge: “Blames will not be apportioned to either party.”

It is a wise approach. When two communities have been killing each other for years, pointing fingers only deepens wounds. What is needed is not a winner and a loser, but a solution that allows both Ishi and Itale to farm their land, harvest their palm fruits, and sleep without fear.

Earlier, before the main engagement, the Deputy Governor paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Ejeh Ibaji and Chairman of the Ibaji Local Government Traditional Council, His Royal Highness John Egwemi. There, he commiserated with the royal father and the entire people of Ibaji over the loss of lives and destruction of property.

It was a gesture of respect. But as the delegation’s vehicles kicked up dust on their way out of Iyańo, the people of Ishi and Itale were left with a simple, haunting question: will this be the last time we bury our children?

Why This Matters To Every Nigerian Living In Fear Of Communal Clashes

Consider the farmer in Ishi who no longer knows which part of his land he can till without being attacked. He sleeps with a machete under his bed. His children no longer go to the stream alone. His wife checks the news every morning, fearing the next headline about another reprisal.

Or think of the young man in Itale who lost his older brother in the recent fighting. He wants revenge. Every elder tells him to calm down. But the anger simmers. And if the government does not deliver a durable solution, that anger will boil over again. It always does.

It is not a child’s play, this business of communal crisis management. Kogi State has now shown that it can respond quickly. But quick responses are not the same as lasting solutions. The court case over palm fruits, yams, and fish ponds must be expedited. Traditional rulers must be empowered to enforce peace agreements. And the youths must be given livelihoods that make warfare unattractive.

The visit by Governor Ododo — represented by his deputy — is a necessary first step. But the journey to true peace in Ibaji is long, and the road is littered with the graves of those who died before this delegation ever arrived.

📌 Fact Summary Box

Crisis location: Ishi and Itale communities, Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State.

Date of government visit: Friday, May 8, 2026.

Governor’s representative: Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu.

Key officials present: Deputy Speaker, Security Adviser, Agriculture Commissioner, Deputy Chief of Staff, plus police, military, and vigilante personnel.

Root cause (since 2020): Disputes over palm fruits, yam produce, fish ponds — traditional council failed, matter in court.

Impact: Loss of lives, destruction of valuable property, series of reprisal attacks.

Government’s message: Embrace peace, stay away from crime, cooperate with security agencies.

Security Adviser’s pledge: Address root causes without apportioning blame.

Condolence: Paid to Ejeh Ibaji, HRH John Egwemi.

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Akahi News will continue monitoring the Ishi-Itale situation and all security developments across Kogi State and Nigeria. Stay with us. Stay safe. And remember: lasting peace is not the absence of war — it is the presence of justice.

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Unubi Emmanuel
Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Kogi State
May 8, 2026