Nasarawa, Nigeria – A violent chieftaincy dispute in the Odu electoral ward of the Maraba Udege Development Area, Nasarawa Local Government, has left a mother and her child dead, with many residents displaced following the destruction of homes.
The conflict erupted between rival factions from the Afor communities of Angwan Dutse and Angwan Kasa over disputed land ownership.
What began as a local disagreement quickly escalated into a full-scale clash, resulting in casualties and widespread arson.
In response to the crisis, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule visited the affected communities on Wednesday to assess the situation.
“As a government, we had to decide for the peace of the land. We cannot allow things to continue the way they are,” Governor Sule stated.
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He confirmed that initial investigations had recorded the deaths of a woman and her child, with further assessments ongoing to determine the full extent of the casualties.
To address the lingering crisis, Governor Sule announced plans to appoint an administrator for the Maraba Udege Development Area.
“The administrator will assist the government in coming up with final solutions to this conflict,” he explained, emphasizing that the decision followed extensive consultations with local leaders and security reports.
The governor further highlighted the historical context of Mararaba’s rapid growth, stressing the need for unity.
“Mararaba has grown more than Odu to the point that it should be independent or have a different status. However, we call on all stakeholders to consider Mararaba as belonging to the Afo nation, setting aside their differences,” he said.
Governor Sule also underscored the urgency of restoring peace, particularly as mining activities are expected to expand in Udege.
“With the current developments in Udege, we must ensure peace prevails for the prosperity and security of all residents,” he urged, calling on the warring factions to embrace dialogue and reconciliation.
Authorities are expected to implement further security measures to prevent future outbreaks of violence as the state government works towards a lasting resolution.
