By Israel Adamu, Jos
One person has been confirmed dead and several houses razed following a violent clash between family members over a farmland dispute at Kopkopshe village, in Loham Ward, Tunkus District, Mikang Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred over the weekend after a long-standing disagreement escalated between the warring families. The land dispute is said to have persisted for over five years, with legal proceedings still pending.
The Media Aide to the Executive Chairman of Mikang LGA, Mr. Nkat Joseph Lakai, confirmed the development in a statement issued to newsmen in Jos. According to him, the Council Chairman, Dr. Benard Soepding Alkali, visited the affected village to assess the level of destruction caused by the violence, which resulted in the loss of one life and the destruction of homes and properties.
During the visit, Dr. Alkali strongly condemned the violence, describing it as “unnecessary and unacceptable.” He emphasized that such internal conflicts undermine efforts by his administration to promote peace and unity among the four ethnic groups in the local government area.
“It is shameful that while the government is committed to protecting our lands from external forces and land grabbers, we are here fighting and killing ourselves over land. This frustrates government efforts. When brothers fight over land, a stranger inherits,” the chairman said.
He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and appealed for calm, urging them not to take the law into their hands. Dr. Alkali assured that security agencies are already investigating the matter and would bring the perpetrators to justice.
The chairman also disclosed that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has been briefed on the incident and has mandated him to work towards a lasting solution. As part of his peace initiative, the chairman donated food items and cash relief to the affected families and promised to liaise with relevant agencies for more support.
Mr. Felix Bagen, son of the deceased, recounted the tragic incident, alleging that his father was brutally killed over the ongoing land dispute. He called on the government to temporarily take ownership of the disputed land until the legal case is resolved.
In his remarks, community leader Mr. Saty Woldut appreciated the chairman’s prompt response and pledged the community’s commitment to peace.
Also speaking, Long Lalin, Leader of the Mikang Legislative Council and Councillor representing Loham Ward, urged community leaders to engage their youths and cautioned against actions that could further disrupt the peace the area has enjoyed for decades.
The chairman was accompanied on the visit by top council officials, including Deputy Chairperson Miss Nungkat Eukuk, Council Secretary Comr. Nankin Dafoum, Chief of Staff Barr. Yilnaan Andrew, heads of security agencies, elected councillors, and all supervisory councillors of Mikang LGA.
