Map of Nasarawa State
By DANJUMA JOSEPH, Lafia –
No fewer than 3 persons have been killed and over ten persons sustained various degrees of injuries following a bloody clash over fishing pond by two rival groups in Alingani Community in Lafia East Development Area of Nasarawa State.
.
Our correspondent gathered that the bloody clash was as a result of a disagreement between two rival groups loyal to ward heads appointed for Alingani, by the overseer of the development area, Barr Mohammed Haruna and another one appointment by the Oron Akye, Alhaji Abdullahi Ugah.
A source who begged for anonymity said the government appointment ward head, Dalhatu Mohammed Omiya, officially wrote to the overseer, intimidating him about the impending crisis about the fishing pond.
“The ward head also reported the matter to the DPO and the Nigerian Air Force 22 Quick Response Wing, stationed in Assakio, the headquarters of the development area, they responded swiftly by moving to the fish pond and warned the trouble shooters to leave, which they did”
“But suddenly, after the military and police left, they went back to the pond and fished in a particular portion reserved in the custody of the ward head, Omiya, so when report got to the authority of the development area, they were summoned for a peace meeting, they refused to attend”
“On Tuesday, the ward head, Omiya, sent some persons loyal to him to go on fishing at the pond, then suddenly the rival group came and attacked them, unfortunately, two persons died in the bloody clash. Today (Wednesday) morning, another person died as a result of the injury he sustained in the attack” the source said.
Barrister Mohammed Haruna, the overseer of Lafia East Development Area, who confirmed the crisis, said security personnel have been deployed to the area.
When asked how many persons were killed during the crisis he said “I can’t say anything more than what I told you”.
Meanwhile, the police spokesman in the state, Ranham Nansel, has confirmed the crisis, saying that it was purely leadership tussle and the law will take it cause.
He also confirmed that two persons were killed in the bloody clash, adding that the overseer, the Oron Akye and the two rival ward heads were invited for a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and they are still investigating into the matter.
