A communal clash has claimed two lives in two communities of Ndeji and Lema communities in Lafiagi Emirate in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to past records, the communities have always been at loggerheads, with different kinds of clashes happening in the past. It was reported that the major area of dispute between the two communities has always been land.
In the wake of the recent attack, the police have confirmed that the situation has been brought under control; the police added that two individuals have been arrested in connection with the attacks.
A source in the community who spoke about the clash explained that it happened because of a land dispute that had occurred in the past years.
The source explained that the new crisis started when the communities learned the land under contention was about to be given to the communities; the source disclosed that the Emir was rumoured to have started plans to provide the land for the Lema community, but the situation sprang displeasure among the people from the Ndeji community that led to a violent confrontation between the two communities.
The escalation started when the two communities attempted to protect their interests and community.
The source claimed that one of the communities strongly believes in its traditional powers, which gives it the moral right to fight.
He identified the dead victims as Mohammed Alhaji and Aliu Hussain. The two victims reported that they were killed when they tried to scare away the individuals from the Imam in the community. The source also noted that a victim of the attack was a student at the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.
Responding to inquiries on the clash, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, confirmed the attack but stated that the police and other security agencies had brought the situation under control. He noted the place is currently experiencing peace after the disagreement.
He also disclosed that two persons had been arrested by the police in connection with the clashes. He said further investigations were ongoing to make more arrests. He also disclosed that the clash was because of a portion of land in the area.
He further mentioned that the residents’ lives and property are safe, and they should be assured of that.
