A violent clash between two families in Plateau State over a land dispute has resulted in the death of one man and left several others injured.
According to The Nation, the incident happened at the weekend in Kopkopshe village, Loham ward of Tunkus, Mikang local government of the state.
It was gathered that the members of the family had been at loggerhead for over two years over who inherits the farmland.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Mikang Local Government Council of Plateau state, Dr. Benard Soepding Alkali has visited scene of conflict to assess the level of damage caused.
According to a statement, Alkali strongly condemned the outbreak of violence, describing it as unnecessary and unacceptable.
He emphasised that such conflicts undermine his administration’s efforts to foster peace and unity among the four ethnic groups in the council.
The chairman expressed shock over the conflict and assured the community that the government has taken prompt measures to prevent further escalation.
He stated that the state Governor is aware of the sad event and mandated him to assess the level of damage and engage the two families to come up with a lasting solution.
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“It’s shameful that while the government is committed to protecting our lands from external forces and land grabbers, we are also fighting and killing ourselves over land. This will frustrate government efforts, as when brothers fight over land, a stranger inherit,” he said.
The chairman encouraged the people of Kopkopshe village to live in harmony and peace, emphasizing that God did not make mistakes by bringing them together.
Son of the deceased, Mr. Felix Bagen, shared a harrowing account of the incident, detailing how his father was brutally killed over the land dispute. He explained that the conflict had been ongoing for five years, with a pending court case.
Bagen urged government to come to their rescue by taking ownership of the land until the law decides otherwise.
Mr. Saty Woldut, a community leader, appreciated the chairman for his visit and assured him of peaceful coexistence in the community.
Meanwhile, Long Lalin, Leader of the Mikang legislative arm and councillor representing Luham ward, urged community leaders to engage their youths and warned them against taking actions that would further disrupt the peace enjoyed for decades.
