By Yahaya Adamu Minna
It is a crisis over farmland that is about 50 years old. At least three persons are known to have been killed and several others seriously injured in a communal clash that broke out between the Boku and their Doko peoples in the Lavun Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State on Wednesday.
Dane guns and other dangerous cudgels were weapons of choice, while houses were burnt..
It all began at dawn when some farmers from Doko town were allegedly attacked by persons suspected to be from Boku community.
Apparently in a reprisal, the Doko people reportedly mobilised and attacked the Boku villagers leading to the losses.
Those injured are said to be receiving treatment at both the Kutigi and Bida general hospitals while some of the displaced persons are residing with their relations in neighbouring communities, it was gathered.
Efforts by the previous monarchs and the present Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and the state government have not helped in decades.
Recently the communities were directed to go to court to resolve the dispute in order to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
Contacted by journalists the Niger State Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, promised to get back with details. His response is still being awaited hours after.
Also, no word has come in from the local and state governments.