6 Killed, Houses Burnt As Plateau Youth Groups Clash

Six youths were killed and several houses set ablaze in a violent clash between irate youths in Ponglong area of Lalin district of Mikang local government area of Plateau State.

LEADERSHIP reports that an unspecified number of cattle have also been rustled in the area in the process.

The clash said to be between Motola and Taroh youths erupted on Saturday night in Mikang local government of the state.

It was gathered from a source that six persons were feared killed, while some persons  sustained various degrees of injuries and  are said to be receiving treatment in hospital.

Meanwhile, the Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) chairman of Mikang LGA, Hon Daniel Kungmi, who spoke to LEADERSHIP said the clash which occurred between two persons was later hijacked by hoodlums and criminals.

Gunmen Kill Herder, 35 Cows In Fresh Plateau Village Attacks

He said: “Within a short while, the situation degenerated leading to burning down of houses and barns.

“Several criminal elements took advantage of the unfortunate situation and rustled cattle as well as other valuables. “

He added that “ Immediately we got the news of the clash, we reported the incident to security operatives who moved swiftly to the affected community to restore law and order.

“I just returned from the affected community and the situation is under control, but for now, we cannot ascertain the number of persons killed in the clash.

“I am also in touch with the Transition Committee chairman of Langtang North local government council, Hon Nanmwa Kumzhi and we would be holding critical stakeholders meeting soon as this clash is between brothers.”

Hon Daniel Kungmi urged residents of the area to be calm and called on the people to be more tolerant and cautious of undesirable elements that might want to take advantage of the unfortunate situation to inflict harm on innocent persons.

He added that the commissioner of police in the state is expected to visit the affected community, yesterday. The spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Alabo Alfred, did not respond to inquiry by our correspondent, when contacted on the incident.