A communal clash in the Odu electoral ward of Maraba Udege Development Area in Nasarawa State has resulted in the deaths of a mother and her child, according to Punch.
The violence, which erupted on Saturday, stemmed from a long-standing chieftaincy dispute and a land ownership disagreement between the Afor people of Angwan Dutse and the Afor people of Angwan Kasa, both within the Udege Development Area of Nasarawa LGA.
The conflict has displaced many residents and destroyed numerous homes.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, visited the area on Wednesday to seek a lasting solution. Following an assessment of the damage, Governor Sule announced a ban on both the Odu and Embu communities from participating in the chieftaincy dispute, which has been ongoing for three years. This decision aims to facilitate the appointment of an administrator who will work towards peaceful resolution.
Governor Sule addressed the loss of life and property, stating, “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.”
He added, “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.”
Governor Sule appealed to the warring factions to cease hostilities and embrace peace, particularly given the growing importance of mining activities in Udege. He explained that the government’s decision was based on various reports received regarding the conflict. He urged stakeholders to remember that Mararaba belongs to the Afo nation, despite their internal 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,” he said.
“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.”
