A power tussle between the overseer of the Lafia East Development Area, Barrister Mohammed Haruna, and the Oron Akye of Ugah, Alhaji Abdullahi Ugah, over a fish pond at the Alingani community in Nasarawa State has resulted in three deaths and 10 injuries. However, the state police command stated that only two people lost their lives in the clash.
According to sources, the two officials appointed different ward heads to oversee Alingani and the resources therein, including the fish pond that they laid claim to different portions. The conflict ensued when the government-appointed ward head, Dalhatu Mohammed Omiya, sent an official communication to the overseer following tension over the pond.
The security agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force 22 Quick Response Wing, stationed in Assakio, were alerted, and they allegedly warned the Oron Akye group to refrain from having anything to do with the pond. However, the group ignored the warning and went back to the pond, fishing in a portion reserved for the ward head, Omiya.
Following the incident, the authorities summoned both parties for a peace meeting, but the Oron Akye group refused to attend. On Tuesday, the ward head, Omiya, sent some of his loyalists to the pond to fish. Suddenly, the rival group appeared and attacked them, resulting in two deaths. Another person died the next day due to injuries sustained in the attack.
Confirming the incident, the state police command’s public relations officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, stated that it was purely a leadership tussle and that the law would take its course. The commissioner of police has invited the leaders of both parties for further investigation into the matter.
The clash has caused fear and panic among residents of the Alingani community, who have appealed to the state government to intervene and restore peace to the area. The incident highlights the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent further loss of lives and property.