Two killed in Kwara communal clash

Two people were reportedly killed while seven others were injured during a renewed clash between two villages; Ndeji and Lema communities in Lafiagi Emirate in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the two communities sandwiched between Gbugbu and Lafiagi, headquarters of Edu Local Government Council, are usually at war over land issues.

The police however said that they were on top of the situation adding that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.

Sources who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, on Thursday, said the crisis stemmed from a long-standing land dispute between the two communities.

A resident revealed that tensions escalated when a community leader was rumoured to be planning to allocate the disputed land to the Lema community, sparking fears among the Ndeji people and leading to a violent confrontation between the two groups.

The situation escalated as both sides sought to protect their interests, resulting in heightened tensions and conflict.

“The fight started when there was a rumour flying around that the Emir of Lafiagi was plotting to cede the land in dispute to the Lema people.

“And you know our people (Nupe tribe), they believe in charms and this is why they started the violence immediately the rumour spread,” the source said.

He said that the two dead victims who he identified as Mohammed Alhaji and Aliu Hussain reportedly met their deaths while struggling to protect an Imam in the community adding that one of the victims was a student of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Victor Olaiya, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Metro on Thursday saying that the incident had been brought under control and that peace had returned to the area.

Olaiya said that some suspects had been arrested while efforts were being made to arrest more suspects.

The CP said, “Yes, it is true there was a communal clash between two communities sandwiched between Gbugbu and Lafiagi in Edu Local Government Area. They were fighting over land. Two people were killed and about seven people were injured and have been taken to the hospital where they were receiving treatment.

“We want to assure members of the public of safety of their lives and property. The perpetrators are now in our custody, while an investigation is ongoing”, Olaiya said.