Lawmaker Decries Protracted Communnal Clashes Between Plateau Communities

A member of the House of Representatives representing Langtang North/Langtang South federal constituency of Plateau State, Hon. Beni Lar, has decried incessant communal clashes between Lyangit and Kunhwang communities in the state.

Lar, while speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, called on the State government to step up efforts to address the incessant clashes between both the two communities, which are in Langtang North local government area of Plateau State, so as to restore peace in the area.

According to her, the clashes, which have resulted in needless loss of lives and destruction of property, has continued unabated despite efforts by the traditional rulers and political leaders to stop the lingering crisis between the two communities.

”In the face of such clashes, it is the innocent vulnerable groups such as women, children and the aged that feel the brunt of the carnage most, underscoring the need to effectively check and deal with such incidences, especially by government whose duty is it to ensure safety of lives and property,” she said.

Lar, while calling for a more robust conflict resolution mechanism, stressed the need to strengthen the traditional institutions, so that traditional rulers would be able effectively intervene in communal crises before they escalate.

She noted that for instance, many of the traditional rulers in the communities are ineffectual in addressing challenges at the grassroots, as they are sometimes up against powerful forces.

“Imagine, many are placed on N20,000 monthly salary and have no clout among the powerful, but interest-vested people who champion such clashes, often spearhead by pecuniary interest,” the federal lawmaker stated.