11 killed in Nasarawa communal clash

• It’s gathered that the clash was caused by land dispute at the Benue/Nasarawa border community.
• Students from the Federal Girls College, Keana, who were trapped in their hostels were also caught in the web of violence.

A violent and brutal communal clash in Nigeria’s middle belt State of Nasarawa has left at least eleven persons dead.

The clash, which was between the indigenous Alago people and the Tiv community, happened in Keana Local Government Area of the State.

It’s gathered that the clash was caused by land dispute at the Benue/Nasarawa border community.

Students from the Federal Girls College, Keana, who were trapped in their hostels were also caught in the web of violence.

Houses and other properties were also razed during the clash.

Philip Nongu, president of Mzough U Tiv (MUT), Nasarawa State chapter, confirmed the fatalities to journalists.

A witness stated that four people were initially killed—two from Alago and two from Tiv—with many houses burnt and several individuals wounded.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, confirmed the crisis, stating that one person had been confirmed dead and four wounded.

Ahemba noted that the conflict, which began at the Benue/Nasarawa border, later escalated into Keana.

He said the situation has been brought under control with security operatives deployed in the area and called for calm among the warring parties, stating that violence and destruction do not provide solutions, urging people not to resort to reprisal attacks but to allow peace to reign.

Tiv community in Nasarawa State, under the umbrella of the Tiv Development Association (TIDA), has decried the violent clash.

President of the association, Simeon Apusu, expressed regret over the displacement of hundreds of Tiv farmers in Keana town and nearby villages.

Apusu stated that violence is counterproductive and encouraged dialogue as the best means to resolve conflicts.

He also appealed to the state and federal governments to expedite the ongoing boundary demarcation process between Nasarawa and Benue states to provide a permanent solution to the land disputes.