No fewer than two people have died in a renewed clash between the Ndeji and Lema communities in the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State resulted in at least
According to community sources who spoke to SaharaReporters on Thursday, the crisis stems from a long-standing land dispute between the two communities.
A source revealed that tensions escalated when the Emir of Lafiagi was rumoured to be planning to allocate the disputed land to the Lema community, sparking fears among the Ndeji people and leading to a violent confrontation between the two groups.
The situation escalated as both sides sought to protect their interests, resulting in heightened tensions and conflict.
“The fight started when there was a rumour flying around that Emir of Lafiagi is plotting to give the land in dispute to Lema people.
“And you know our people (Nupe tribe), they believe in charms and this is why they started the violence immediately the rumour spread,” the source said.
The deceased persons were identified as Mohammed Alhaji and Aliu Hussain.
At least seven others were also injured during the crisis.
Another source said: “One of those who lost their lives, Alhaji, was a student of Kwara Polytechnic. He was almost done in school. Others injured with gunshot were rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.”
The seven injured persons were identified as Suleiman Osama, Mohammed Saidu, Abdullahi Ahmed, Mohammed Alhaji, Musa Abubakar, Aliyu Abdullahi and Abdullahi Shuaibu.
In a press statement released by Kwara State Police Commissioner, Mr. Victor Olaiya, the police authorities confirmed the arrest of some suspects reportedly responsible for the killings during the communal crisis.
Commissioner Olaiya’s statement assures the public that the perpetrators are now in custody, bringing a measure of relief to the affected communities.
The police investigation is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as the case progresses, according to the statement issued by the state command.
The statement reads: “Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr Victor Olaiya, has said that two suspects have been arrested in connection with violent clashes over land disputes in Lafiagi communities in the Edu local government area of the state during the week where two persons were killed and seven others severely injured.
“The crisis is between the communities that are sandwiched between two major communities of Lafiagi and Gbugbu; they are suddenly at two others throat. The police intervened, but unfortunately, two lives were lost, and two suspects have been arrested.”
“The conflict escalated further when the attackers began shooting at those who came to rescue the Chief Imam, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals and injuries to seven others,” the police added.
