3 killed as groups clash over fish pond

A clash between rival groups in Alingani community of Lafia East Development Area of Nasarawa State has claimed the lives of three persons, while no fewer than 10 others were said to have sustained injuries.

It was gathered that the bloody clash ensued following a disagreement between two rival groups loyal to ward heads appointed for Alingani by the overseer of the development area, Mohammed Haruna, and another one appointment by the ward head of the area, the  Oron Akye, Abdullahi Ugah.

A source close to the area, who did not want his name mentioned, claimed that the appointed ward head by the government, Dalhatu Omiya, officially wrote to the overseer, intimating him about the impending crisis  emanating from the fish pond.

“The ward head had 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 vacate the disputed area, which they did,” the source said.

He alleged that shortly after the military and police had  left, the trouble shooters went back to the pond and fished in a particular portion left in the custody of the ward head, Omiya.

According to the source, when report got to the authority of the development area, they were summoned for a peace meeting, they refused to honour the invitation for the meeting.

“On Tuesday, the ward head, Omiya, sent some persons loyal to him to go fishing at the pond, the rival group  emerged and attacked them, unfortunately, two persons died in the clash. Today (yesterday) morning, another person died as a result of the injury sustained in the attack,” the source said.

Contacted, the overseer of Lafia East Development Area, Haruna, who confirmed the crisis, said security personnel had been deployed to the area.

He, however, declined comment on the number of casualties, but said: “I can’t say anything more than what I have told you”.

Police image maker in the state, Ranham Nansel, who confirmed the crisis, said it was purely a leadership tussle and that the law would take its course, adding that two persons were killed in the clash. 

He said the state Commissioner of Police, Maiyaki Baba, had invited the overseer, the Oron Akye and the two rival ward heads for a meeting while investigation into the matter was ongoing.

Culled from Vanguard