Seven killed, four houses burnt in Plateau State clashes

SEVEN people have been reportedly killed in land and cult-related disputes in Jos, Plateau State.

The violence took place in Qua’anpan, and Jos North council areas of the state.

Theguardian leant that three people were killed in Qua’anpan community over a land dispute between Shanful and Mudah communities. In the process, five houses were also burnt before the intervention of men of Operation Safe Haven, who are in charge of security in the area.

The Media Officer of Operation Safe Haven, Major Adams Mustapha confirmed the incident to journalists.

He explained that the two communities took arms against each other over land allegedly given to the Fulani herdsmen by Mudah community.

According to him, the Shanful people were jolted by the presence of the herdsmen, which they considered as an invitation to anarchy.

The violence started when the Mudah community refused to eject the herders as demanded by the Shanful community.

The media officer said three people were killed in the confusion that ensued.

He added that traditional rulers of the two communities had been invited to the Headquarters of Plateau State Police Command for clarifica- tions.

But, as the security agents abated the crisis, another one began at Gada Biu area of Jos North local government, leading to the killing of four persons.

It was leant that two rival cult groups caused the clash in the area in a battle for supremacy.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Terna Tyopev, who confirmed the incident, said the police were combing the community to arrest the cultists.

In a related development, the District Head of Gashish community in Barkin Ladi Local Council of the state was shot, alongside two others on Sunday evening.

The house and vehicle of the monarch, Gwom Rwei Gashish, was also burnt.

Meanwhile, the General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, (NGSA), Alex Nwegbu, has condemned last Saturday’s killing of 14 miners at Janruwa community in Kaduna State.

Nwegbu described the incident as unfortunate, especially at a time when government was doing so much to ensure that miners were assisted to get the best output.

In a statement by Mrs. Bola Akinwande, he said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration had only recently, beefed up security in the minefields, and provided the officials vehicles to strengthen the inter-ministerial Special Mines Surveillance Task Force (SMSTF).