A renewed clash between the Ndeji and Lema communities in the Lafiagi Emirate of Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left seven others injured.
According to The PUNCH, the two communities, located between Gbugbu and Lafiagi, the headquarters of Edu Local Government, have a history of conflict rooted in land disputes.
Reports from Thursday revealed the latest violence erupted due to a long-standing disagreement over land ownership. Tensions escalated when rumors spread that a local leader intended to allocate the contested land to the Lema community.
This news alarmed the Ndeji community, sparking a violent confrontation between the two groups.
A local source familiar with the situation revealed that the conflict was fueled by the rumor that the Emir of Lafiagi was planning to hand over the disputed land to the Lema people.
“The fight started when there was a rumor flying around that the Emir of Lafiagi was plotting to cede the land in dispute to the Lema people,” the source explained. “And you know our people (Nupe tribe), they believe in charms, and this is why they started the violence immediately after the rumor spread.”
The source further disclosed that the two fatalities, identified as Mohammed Alhaji and Aliu Hussain, were killed while attempting to protect a local Imam during the unrest. It was also revealed that one of the victims was a student at Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, confirmed the incident in a statement.
He reported that the situation has since been brought under control, and peace has been restored to the area.
“Yes, it is true there was a communal clash between two communities sandwiched between Gbugbu and Lafiagi in Edu local government,” Olaiya said. “They were fighting over land. Two people were killed, and about seven people were injured and have been taken to the hospital where they are receiving treatment.”
The Police Commissioner assured the public that measures are being taken to ensure the safety of lives and property.
He also mentioned that two suspects have been apprehended in connection with the violence, and efforts are ongoing to arrest additional perpetrators.
“We want to assure members of the public of the safety of their lives and property. The perpetrators are now in our custody, while an investigation is ongoing,” Olaiya added.
