Not less than 21 houses have been set ablaze, with six persons missing at Inyi community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, following an intra-communal crisis that broke out when an indigene fell a guava tree in a disputed area.

The mayhem, which began on Saturday, has caused pandemonium in the community as panic-stricken indigenes are fleeing the area to take refuge in neighbouring villages.

Sources said it may not be unconnected with a boundary dispute between two quarters of the community.

A dependable source told Vanguard that “two quarters have be having issues over the boundary, but the problem started when someone from one of the quarters fell a guava tree around the disputed area.

“When people from the other quarter saw what happened, a fight broke out and in the process, they started burning the houses.”

Confirming the incident yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer of the State command, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, said the indigenes “of the same kindred have been having issues for some time now.

“On our side, we have been trying to make them toe the path of peace. They have been burning houses in the community. So far, 21 houses have been burnt, while 10 others were vandalised and some persons are missing. We are discussing with the Okpala-Uku of the community on the way forward.” Vanguard