Land Dispute Turns Deadly In Plateau: One Killed, Many Injured As Houses Burn

A longstanding land dispute between two families in Kopkopshe village, Loham ward, Tunkus District of Mikang Local Government Area, Plateau State, has erupted into violence, leaving one person dead, several others injured, and multiple houses razed.

Nkat Joseph Lakai, the media aide to the Chairman of Mikang LGA, Dr. Benard Soepding Alkali, confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos on Tuesday. He said the clash broke out on Sunday, June 29, reigniting a feud that has lasted for years over who should inherit the contested farmland.

Speaking on the development, Lakai noted, “The Executive Chairman of Mikang Local Government Council, Dr. Benard Soepding Alkali, visited Kopkopshe village to assess the level of destruction caused by the dispute. Unfortunately, the conflict resulted in one fatality and the destruction of several homes and properties.”

He condemned the violence, describing it as both unnecessary and shameful. “It is unfortunate that while the government is striving to safeguard our lands from external encroachers, we are here fighting and killing each other over land. Such acts only undermine government efforts because, as the saying goes, when brothers fight over land, strangers inherit,” he added.

According to Lakai, the council chairman expressed deep disappointment over the tragic turn of events and assured residents that the government had already deployed measures to prevent further escalation.

Felix Bagen, one of the sons of the deceased, provided additional details, revealing that the dispute has dragged on for five years, with a court case still pending over the matter.