One person has lost his life, and several others have been injured following a violent clash that left numerous houses destroyed in the Naniik and Binbagu communities of the Bunkpurugu/Nakpanduri District, North East Region. The unrest reportedly stems from a chieftaincy dispute.
Channel One News reports that many residents of the two communities abandoned their homes, fleeing quickly and leaving behind possessions they could not carry.
Sunday Batowani, General Manager of Pib-ri FM, a local radio station based in Binde-Bunkpurugu, shared with Channel One News that the violence erupted when the Youth Chief of Naniik was shot while in the company of an individual named Elijah.
According to Mr. Batowani, Elijah was killed instantly, and his body was briefly stored at the morgue of the Binde hospital. He also noted that a second wave of violence occurred on Monday, September 23, as preparations were being made for Elijah’s burial.
This subsequent attack reportedly enraged the Naniik community, leading to retaliatory actions that caused further displacement of residents in both communities.
In response to the escalating tension, Mr. Batowani explained that local authorities have imposed a curfew from 5:30 am to 6 pm in an effort to contain the situation while awaiting intervention at the national level.
He also revealed that three individuals are currently receiving medical care, with others suffering snake bites sustained while escaping the violence on Monday night.
Efforts are ongoing to gather updates from the District Security Council regarding steps being taken to restore peace and stability in the area.
