Mother and Child Killed in Nasarawa Chieftaincy Dispute
A Tragic Outcome of Long-standing Conflict in Maraba Udege
A tragic incident unfolded in Nasarawa State when a mother and her child lost their lives during a communal clash in the Odu electoral ward of Maraba Udege Development Area in the Nasarawa Local Government Area (LGA). The clash, which resulted in deaths and widespread destruction, was a direct consequence of an escalating chieftaincy dispute. This long-standing conflict, which had been brewing for years, reached a breaking point on Saturday, sending shockwaves through the community.
The dispute, rooted in a complex land ownership disagreement, involved the Afor people of Angwan Dutse and the Afor people of Angwan Kasa, both communities under the Udege Development Area of Nasarawa LGA. Over time, this chieftaincy tussle between the two factions grew in intensity, with each side staking their claim over the leadership and control of the area. The clash, marked by violent confrontations and destruction, left numerous residents displaced and many homes completely razed to the ground.
The origins of the chieftaincy conflict can be traced back to more than three years ago, with the underlying cause being a fierce land ownership disagreement. Despite numerous attempts to mediate and resolve the matter, tensions only escalated. With both sides determined to maintain their hold on the land and leadership, the situation eventually spiraled into a violent confrontation. The clash became deadly when members of the two communities clashed over territory, leading to the tragic loss of innocent lives, including that of a mother and her child.
As the violence raged on, the destruction of property, especially houses, was widespread. Families were displaced, and many were forced to flee their homes to escape the violence. The clash not only caused physical harm to the residents but also dealt a severe blow to the social fabric of the communities involved. The tensions between the Afor people of Angwan Dutse and Angwan Kasa were further exacerbated by the fact that both communities felt deeply entrenched in their claims, creating a highly volatile situation.
In response to the escalating violence and the tragic loss of lives, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, visited the affected communities on Wednesday. His visit was part of an effort to assess the situation on the ground and find a lasting solution to the conflict. The governor’s assessment of the damage was crucial in understanding the extent of the destruction and the human toll the violence had taken.
During his visit, Governor Sule made a significant announcement aimed at resolving the ongoing chieftaincy dispute. He prohibited the warring families from the Odu and Embu communities from participating in the chieftaincy dispute, which had been ongoing for three years without any resolution. This move was intended to pave the way for the appointment of an administrator who would help bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The governor emphasized the importance of resolving the issue, noting that the government could not allow the violence to continue unchecked. He stressed that the intervention of the government was necessary to ensure peace in the region. As part of his assessment, Governor Sule expressed his concern over the number of lives lost during the clash, particularly the death of the mother and child. The governor had been informed by locals that the lives of innocent civilians were lost in the violence, but he was unable to provide an exact number of casualties at the time.
“No, we have not been able to ascertain the number of houses burnt in the crisis, that is what the committee that came with me will be able to do,” Governor Sule explained during his visit. “However, you were with me at Odu where we were told that a child and a woman died during the process, and I was able also to talk to the father and the husband who was there. So, earlier on, there had been some killings but right now, I cannot tell exactly what it is.”
Governor Sule’s visit was not just about assessing the damage; it was also an opportunity to chart a path forward for lasting peace. The governor’s government took a firm stance, deciding that neither of the two contending families would be recognized as being in control of Mararaba in the Udege Development Area. Instead, the government proposed the appointment of an administrator to oversee the area and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The appointment of an administrator, according to the governor, was designed to help manage the crisis and prevent further escalation of violence. The move was part of a broader strategy to restore order and promote peaceful coexistence among the residents of the affected communities. The administrator would play a key role in helping bridge the divide between the two factions and work towards addressing the underlying issues that had fueled the dispute.
Governor Sule expressed his belief that peace was achievable if all stakeholders were willing to work together. He made an appeal to the warring factions to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance. He particularly highlighted the potential for economic development in the area, noting that mining activities were beginning to take centre stage in the Udege region. He urged the communities to consider the long-term benefits of peace, emphasizing that resolving the chieftaincy dispute could open the door to greater opportunities and development for everyone involved.
One of the key points raised by Governor Sule during his visit was the potential economic impact of the ongoing conflict. He pointed out that mining activities in Udege were beginning to gain significance, and the continued violence threatened to undermine any economic opportunities that might arise. The governor argued that by resolving the conflict, the communities could shift their focus towards building a prosperous future, capitalizing on the economic potential of mining and other resources in the area.
The Udege region, with its rich natural resources, has the potential to be a hub of economic activity if the conflict is resolved. Governor Sule stressed that it was in the best interests of all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution to the chieftaincy dispute so that development could take place without further hindrance. The governor’s appeal to the communities was aimed at highlighting the broader economic benefits of peace, which could, in turn, lead to better living conditions, improved infrastructure, and enhanced social welfare for the people of the region.
Throughout his visit, Governor Sule made a concerted effort to engage with the communities and encourage dialogue. He emphasized the need for unity and collaboration, stating that it was important for the people of the affected areas to put aside their differences and work together for the common good. He reiterated that the government was committed to finding a lasting solution to the crisis and that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure peace was restored.
The governor also appealed to the larger community in Nasarawa State to support the government’s efforts in resolving the conflict. He urged local leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to collaborate with the administration in finding a sustainable solution. His call for unity was framed within the context of the historical relationship between Mararaba and Odu. According to Governor Sule, Mararaba has always been considered part of Odu, but its rapid growth and development have led to calls for a different status for the area. He suggested that Mararaba’s status should be reviewed to reflect its current significance, a move that could help address some of the underlying tensions between the communities.
“According to history, Mararaba has always been under Odu. Mararaba has grown more than Odu to the point that it should be independent, or should have a different status,” he said during his visit. This statement highlighted the growing complexities of the situation and the need for a comprehensive approach to resolving the chieftaincy dispute.
As Nasarawa State grapples with the aftermath of this violent clash, the road to peace remains uncertain but achievable. Governor Sule’s intervention is a crucial step in the right direction, as it signals the government’s commitment to finding a solution. The appointment of an administrator and the call for dialogue between the warring factions could help bring about the resolution that has been sorely needed for years.
However, the road ahead will require careful navigation. The communities involved have deep-rooted historical and cultural ties to the land, and any solution will need to respect their traditions while addressing the practical realities of modern governance. As the situation continues to evolve, the people of Nasarawa State, along with the government, will need to work together to build a future that is marked by peace, stability, and prosperity for all.
The tragic loss of a mother and her child serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of unresolved conflicts. As the people of Odu and Embu mourn their losses, there is hope that this senseless violence can be brought to an end, allowing the communities to heal and rebuild. Only time will tell if the efforts of Governor Sule and the people of Nasarawa State will succeed in restoring peace to the region, but the desire for peace and progress is undeniable.
Mother and child k!lled in Nasarawa chieftaincy dispute
A mother and her child were k!lled during a communal clash in the Odu electoral ward of Maraba Udege Development Area in the Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State,
According to Punch, a long-standing chieftaincy dispute escalated on Saturday following a land ownership disagreement between the warring communities which led to the displacement of many residents of the area and scores of houses razed down.
The chieftaincy tussle involved the Afor people of Angwan Dutse and the Afor people of Angwan Kasa, both under the Udege Development Area of Nasarawa LGA.
The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, visited the area on Wednesday with a view to proffering a lasting solution to the situation.
It was learnt that Sule prohibited the contending families from Odu and Embu communities in the area from participating in the chieftaincy tussle which began three years ago without any success.
The governor who took the decision shortly after assessing the level of damage done in the communities, explained that the move was to pave the way for the appointment of an administrator who would work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the area
Responding to the number of houses and lives lost during the clash, Sule said, “No, we have not been able to ascertain the number of houses burnt in the crisis, that is what the committee that came with me will be able to do. However, you were with me at Odu where we were told that a child and a woman died during the process and I was able also to talk to the father and the husband who was there. So, earlier on, there had been some killings but right now, I cannot tell exactly what it is
“As a government, we had to decide for the peace of the land. We cannot allow things to continue the way they are. We decided that as far as the government is concerned, none of the two contending houses would be recognised as in control of Mararaba in the Udege Development Area.
“We are going to appoint an administrator in that particular area who would assist the government to come up with the final solutions,” he said.
While appealing to the warring factions to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance, especially with the current developments in Udege, where mining activities are beginning to take centre stage, he said the decision taken by his administration was based on the various reports submitted to him towards ending the mayhem.
He, however, called on the stakeholders to consider Mararaba as belonging to the Afo nation, not minding their differences.
“According to history, Mararaba has always been under Odu. Mararaba has grown more than Odu to the point that it should be independent, or should have a different status.
“Today, I decided to visit all three places to speak with the people and calm them down. And that’s exactly the whole essence of coming here so that the government will know what to do,” he added.
Source: LIB
