In the Ponglong area of Lalin district, within the Mikang local government council of Plateau state, a violent confrontation erupted between groups of irate youths, leading to the destruction of multiple homes, barns, and the theft of cattle.
The conflict, involving Motola and Taroh youth factions, took place on Saturday night and has resulted in an unspecified number of casualties and a significant number of injuries.
Local authorities, including the transition chairman of the council, Hon. Daniel Kungmi, reported that the initial altercation between two individuals escalated as more youths and criminal elements joined, causing widespread damage and looting.
Kungmi stated, “Within a short while, the situation degenerated leading to burning down of houses and barns.
“Several criminal elements took advantage of the unfortunate situation and rustled cattles as well as other valuables.”
He added: “Immediately we got the news of the clash, we reported the incident to security operatives who moved swiftly to the affected community to restore law and order.
“I just returned from the affected community and the situation is under control, but for now, we can not ascertain the number of persons killed in the clash.
Upon learning of the incident, local officials alerted security forces, who promptly intervened to stabilize the situation.
Although the current state of affairs is under control, the exact number of fatalities remains unconfirmed.
“I am also in touch with the transition committee chairman of Langtang North local government council, Hon Nanmwa Kumzhi and we would be holding a critical stakeholders meeting soon as this clash is between brothers.”
“I call on the people to be more tolerable and cautious of undesirable elements that might want to take advantage of the unfortunate situation to inflict harm on innocent persons.”
The state’s commissioner of police is scheduled to visit the impacted community on Sunday to assess the situation firsthand.
Meanwhile, DSP Alabo Alfred, the spokesperson for the state police command, has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.
