From Abel Leonard, Lafia
At least seven people have been confirmed dead following a violent communal clash between two tribes of the Afoh nation in Udege, Nasarawa Local Government Area. The conflict has also resulted in significant damage to properties and farmland.
In an interview on Friday with the Executive Director, Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) Zachary Zamani Alumaga who stated that the agency has been working to assist victims affected by both the clash and other recent disasters.
“The agency distributed building materials such as cement, roofing zinc, nails, and household items like mattresses and blankets to those whose homes were destroyed in the violence and earlier flood disasters.”
Alumaga, expressed concern over the ongoing violence. “What is happening among the warring tribes in Afoh land is unnecessary, “The damage caused is far greater than the reasons behind the conflict. We appeal to them to stop the violence and embrace peace. Violence does not bring good, but peace does.”
Alumaga further urged the warring tribes to end hostilities and live in harmony. He warned that the toll of the conflict had reached a level that should not have been allowed to escalate.
The clash has also drawn attention to the region’s vulnerability to flooding, with five local governments identified as prone to flood disasters due to their proximity to the River Benue. “These local governments are major rice producers, and each flood disaster negatively impacts the farming community and the nation’s rice production,” Alumaga explained.
NASEMA’s assistance is not only aimed at those affected by the conflict but also at communities suffering from the devastating effects of floods. Alumaga noted that the agency is awaiting an official white paper to assess the full extent of the destruction in Udege before finalizing the relief efforts.
In addition to the communal conflict, Alumaga recalled the 2018 gas explosion in Lafia, which claimed 47 lives, marking one of the deadliest disasters in the state. He acknowledged the state government’s efforts to mitigate such incidents, including the construction of damaged bridges and culverts with funds released by the federal government.
He further stated that Governor Abdullahi Sule has also committed to addressing flood-related challenges with the use of ecological funds provided by the Tinubu administration to help protect vulnerable communities.
The NASEMA Director General called for peace and unity among the affected tribes. “The ultimate goal is peace. The people of Afoh land should put aside their differences and work together for the common good,” Alumaga said.