The village head of Ebbe Oka and four others have reportedly lost their lives in a land dispute that erupted between the Ambu and Eki communities in Mararaba Udege Development Area, Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State.
The crisis, which broke out on Wednesday morning, continued until Thursday afternoon, an investigation by Daily Trust has shown.
A witness in Mararaba Udege told our correspondent that the conflict stemmed from a longstanding land dispute between the two communities in the LGA.
A top government official from the area, who spoke anonymously, expressed concern, adding that if the crisis is not swiftly addressed, it may escalate further.
He said many houses were destroyed and several individuals sustained injuries and were receiving medical attention at undisclosed hospitals.
“The conflict has resulted in the deaths of the village head of Ebbe Oka and four others, with several individuals sustaining injuries and receiving treatment,” he said.
Sources revealed that the inter-community clash between the Ambu and Eki residents in Mararaba Udege has persisted for a long time.
The individuals identified as having been killed during the crisis include Iboshi Otu, the village head of Ebbe Oka, Mallam Igo Yard, Odula Ada, Orize Oketa, and Rambo Enupe.
Confirming the incident via phone interview, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Shehu Nadada, stated that the exact number of casualties and injuries was yet to be ascertained.
He, however, assured that the police have deployed personnel to the affected areas to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
The commissioner attributed the conflict to a land dispute and chieftaincy tussle between the two communities, stating that it began on Wednesday and lasted until Thursday morning.
