Bloodshed in Nasarawa: Violent Land Dispute Kills Two, Forces Mass Displacement
A violent chieftaincy dispute in the Odu electoral ward of the Maraba Udege Development Area, Nasarawa Local Government Area, has resulted in the tragic deaths of a mother and her child, along with the displacement of many residents. The deadly conflict erupted between rival factions from the Afor communities of Angwan Dutse and Angwan Kasa, who clashed over land ownership issues.
The violence not only led to the loss of life but also saw many homes set ablaze, intensifying the suffering of the affected residents.
In response to the violence, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule visited the affected communities on Wednesday to assess the situation. During his visit, he remarked, “As a government, we had to decide for the peace of the land. We cannot allow things to continue the way they are.”
Governor Sule confirmed that initial investigations revealed the death of the woman and her child, along with other casualties. However, the exact toll is still being reviewed. He further announced that the state government would appoint an administrator for the Maraba Udege Development Area to help resolve the conflict.
“The administrator will assist the government in coming up with final solutions to this conflict,” the governor said, noting that the decision followed consultations with local leaders and a comprehensive review of the situation.
Governor Sule also addressed the historical context of the dispute, highlighting that Mararaba had traditionally been part of Odu but had grown significantly over time. He suggested that Mararaba should either become independent or attain a different status, but urged all stakeholders to consider Mararaba as part of the Afo nation and to set aside their differences.
The governor stressed the importance of peace, particularly in light of future mining activities in Udege. “With the current developments in Udege, we must ensure peace prevails for the prosperity and security of all residents,” he said, urging both factions to lay down their arms and engage in dialogue.
