By CHRISTIAN LOT, Jos –
A violent clash between youths from Tarok and Motola in Ponglong area of Lalin district, Mikang Local Government Area of Plateau State has resulted in numerous deaths, destruction of homes, and farmlands.
According to reports, the clash began on Saturday night and continued into Sunday morning, leaving several individuals injured.
Mikang Local Government Transition Chairman, Mr. Daniel Kunmi, explained that what started as a conflict between two individuals quickly escalated due to the involvement of angry youths and criminals.
Kunmi said: “Within a short time, the situation degenerated, leading to the burning down of houses and barns. Several criminal elements took advantage of the unfortunate incident and rustled cattle as well as other valuables.
“We had to immediately report to security operatives who moved swiftly to the affected community to restore law and order.
“I just returned from the affected community and the situation is under control, but for now, we cannot ascertain the number of persons killed in the clash.
“I am also in touch with the Langtang North Local Government Council Transition Chairman, Hon Nanmwa Kumzhi, and we will be holding a critical stakeholder meeting soon as this clash affects people of his council too.
“I call on the people to be more tolerant and cautious of undesirable elements that might want to take advantage of the unfortunate situation to inflict harm on innocent persons.”
He added that the The Commissioner of Police is set to visit the area to evaluate the situation firsthand.
Also confirming the incident, The state Commissioner for Information attributed the clash to a disputed land issue and emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through peaceful means.
He said: “I have just called the Mikang Local Government chairman over the issue. He told me that it is something that could have been avoided and not allowed to escalate to the point that people lost their lives, and at the moment, there are persons receiving treatment at the hospital.
“It started as a result of a land dispute. The land in question cannot even produce six bags of rice, and you know when people are attached to their land, they can go the extra mile.
“It is something they could have controlled, but somehow, it got to a point where others too joined them and houses were burnt down and people were maimed.”
He urged the public to refrain from resorting to violence and called for tolerance among community members.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, confirmed the incident and assured that security operatives are working to investigate the situation and maintain peace in the affected community.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.
Leave a Reply