The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar has warned village and district heads to desist from aiding communal clashes in their domain or risk sanction.
Speaking during an assessment visit by the Niger State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso to Gaba and Anfani communities of Lavun local government area over the crisis that led to the death of eight villagers, the royal father, who described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable, warned that any district or village head who allows a breakdown of law and order in his domain would be dethroned.
North Central Trust recalls that eight persons lost their lives in a clash over a disputed land in the area onThursday, while scores of people also sustained various degrees of injuries in the fracas.
The crisis was said to have been over a parcel of land allegedly given by the Gaba community to their Anfani counterparts several decades ago.
Our correspondent gathered that disagreement ensued when Gaba community reached out to Anfani in a bid to reclaim the disputed land leading to a litigation at the a high court in Bida which ruled in favour of Gaba community.
A team, which included a surveyor with the state ministry of works, was said to have been waylaid resulting in the loss of lives.
The Etsu Nupe, who was represented by Manyaki Nupe, Pharmacist Yahaya Mohammed said the rise in conflicts over land is giving the emirate cause for concern.
He appealed to the people to explore alternative peaceful means of resolving disagreements instead of resorting to violence.
He thanked the state government and the security agencies particularly the police for bringing the situation under control.
The deputy governor also warned the people against taking laws into their hands, adding that his administration would deal decisively with anyone or group causing breach of peace in the state.
He advised them to always channel their grievances to relevant security agencies and traditional rulers for amicable resolution.
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