3 killed, one injured in farmland crisis in Nasarawa

Alhaji Lawal Shehu-Batsari, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Nasarawa State, on Wednesday confirmed that three people were killed and one injured in a land dispute between Angwan Mamman and Dadere villages in Obi Local Government Area. Shehu-Batsari who briefed journalists at Tudun-Adabu, a village near Dadere shortly after inspecting the crisis areas, said that the fight between farmers from warring areas started at about 8 a.m.

He said “we got information that there was a fight over farmland between Sule Musawa of Dadere and the Akun’s family of Agwan-Mamman.”

The commissioner added that it was alleged that the land was leased to Akun’s family by families of late Sule Musawa of Dadere.

He noted that fracas erupted when family members of Musawa went to the farm and were attacked by members of Akun family in the early hours of Wednesday.

Shehu-Batsari said that at about noon, another fight erupted at Tudun-Adabu, noting that the genesis of both crisis was farmland.

“But we are very proactive, we deployed our men to the crisis area to restore peace and order immediately and that is why everywhere is very calm now,” he added.

He said not much was lost and appealed to those within the area to remain in their places of abode, stressing that “we are on top of the situation.

“We observed that some people were packing from their houses and if this continue, it would send a wrong signal outside.

“That was why I personally led a team of security operatives to this area and I am impressed that the situation is calm.”

He assured that his men would be on 24 hours surveillance of the area, noting that “I have directed that no one should come to this area to harass or intimidate anybody.”

Shehu-Batsari, however, confirmed the arrest of five persons in connection with the crisis, assuring that more arrest would be made.

He warned that anyone caught trying to violate the peace would be dealt with according to the law. (NAN)