Many feared dead in Plateau communal dispute

Many people have been reported dead and property destroyed over a land dispute in Lalin district of Mikang Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The Chairperson of the Mikang LGA transition committee, Daniel Kunmi, confirmed the incident on Sunday.

It was reported that the violence began in the late hours of Saturday and continued until Sunday morning before security agents restored order.

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.

“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.”

The State’s Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms said the clash was over a land dispute.

He said that the issue could have been avoided or controlled while pointing out that the contested piece of land could barely produce six bags of rice