Plateau State communal conflict claims lives, causes property damage

A violent confrontation erupted between youths representing the Tarok and Motola communities within the Ponglong area of Lalin district, Mikang Local Government Area of Plateau State, resulting in substantial loss of life, destruction of residences, and agricultural lands.
Commencing on Saturday night and extending into Sunday morning, the clash inflicted numerous injuries as reported. Mikang Local Government Transition Chairman, Mr. Daniel Kunmi, elucidated that what initially appeared as a localized altercation between individuals swiftly escalated due to the involvement of agitated youths and criminal elements.
Mr. Kunmi remarked, “The situation rapidly deteriorated, culminating in the arson of dwellings and agricultural stores. Opportunistic criminals exploited the turmoil, engaging in cattle rustling and looting of valuables. Immediate engagement with law enforcement authorities was imperative, resulting in prompt intervention to restore order within the affected community.”
“Currently,” he continued, “the situation is deemed manageable, although an accurate assessment of casualties remains pending. Coordination efforts with Langtang North Local Government Council Transition Chairman, Hon Nanmwa Kumzhi, are underway, acknowledging the communal ramifications of this clash.”
Emphasizing the need for vigilance against nefarious elements, Mr. Kunmi urged, “Cognizance of potential threats and prudence in conduct are imperative to safeguard innocent lives.”
Furthermore, it was disclosed that the Commissioner of Police plans to conduct a site visit to assess the situation firsthand, underscoring the gravity accorded to the incident by the state authorities.
The state Commissioner for Information corroborated the occurrence, attributing the conflict to a disputed land matter. He stressed the imperative of employing peaceful avenues for conflict resolution and lamented the loss of life and property resulting from the escalation.
Highlighting the regrettable consequences stemming from the dispute, he remarked, “The discord emanated from a land dispute, albeit over land with limited agricultural productivity. Yet, the inherent attachment to land led to an exacerbated situation, resulting in casualties and extensive property damage.”
Appealing for restraint and fostering communal harmony, he urged, “Violence must be eschewed, and a climate of tolerance fostered among community members to prevent such tragic occurrences.”
Assuring ongoing efforts to restore order and ascertain the full extent of the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, affirmed the commitment of security agencies to probe the matter diligently and uphold peace within the affected community.