Plateau State Communal Clash Reportedly Kills Many

A clash between rival youths in the Mikang Local Government Area of Plateau State has reportedly resulted in several deaths and numerous injuries.

The clash took place between Taroh and Motola youths on Saturday night and continued till the early hours of Sunday, State Commissioner for Information Musa Ashoms said, while confirming the incident. However, the exact number of casualties were not revealed.

Ashoms blamed the disputed land in the area for this fight between the rival groups, revealing that he spoke with the Mikang Local Government chairman over this issue.

"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," the state commissioner said, Punch reported.

"It started as a result of dispute over land. According to the LG chairman, the land in question cannot even produce six bags of rice, and you know when people are attached to their land, they could go the extra mile."

Ashoms pointed out that both parties could have "controlled their nerves, but somehow, it got to a point where others too joined them and houses were burnt down and people were maimed."

He noted that people should always look for other alternatives to resolve any dispute by resolving their differences and avoiding taking the law into their own hands.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, said the security operatives have been deployed to the disputed land area and an investigation was going on. He updated that the area was calm now and people have moved on with their normal businesses.

The clash between two communities wasn't new in Nigeria.

Earlier this year, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke imposed a curfew after a clash between Ilobu and Ifon communities claimed the lives of two people and caused property damage. Last year, the governor had to impose a curfew following a fight between the two communities.

The National Economic Council said last week that only 16 out of the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory have submitted reports on the proposed establishment of state police amid the security crisis in Nigeria.