Controversy over the ownership of a farmland between a Taroh man from the Langtang North local and his neighbour, a Tehl man from the Mikang local government area both of Plateau State has degenerated leading to the burning of property and inflicting various degrees of injuries on people.
The incident occurred at Ponglong, Lalin District of Mikang, and the nearby Funyalang community in Langtang North.
The Spokesman of the State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo confirmed the incident but gave no details saying, “We are awaiting the details from the Area Commander and the DPOs from the areas.”
The Transition Committee Chairmen of Mikang and Langtang North LGAs, Daniel Kungmi and Nanmwa Kumzhi respectively told Vanguard on the phone that they were on the scene of the incident and would speak shortly.
Kungmi said, “I am at the crisis scene, please give me some time, I am trying to sort out things now.”
Kumzhi added, “I cannot talk now because I am at the scene now, we are trying to manage the situation. As I am speaking with you, the situation is not good, when I am out of the place, we will talk.”
A native of Lalin, Na’ankus Jerome said, “It is about a piece of land that has been in contention over time, a Tehl man has been farming on the piece of land for years but last year, a Taroh man came to farm the place claiming it is his. This year, the Tehl man who is the rightful owner gathered some farm hands to cultivate the place on Saturday.
“As they were working, the Taroh man mobilized thugs to come and attack them and they ran away. As people were running the thugs started shooting and burning houses, farm produce, and food barns. In the early hours of today, they extended the burning and destruction to Balkwa, burning houses. They were repelled by security men and the people that were shot are receiving treatment at Tunkus General Hospital.”
Another resident, Na’ankam Dajen said, “The Taroh people who share a boundary with us and some of them live on our land that we gave to them to build and farm on. They have mobilized going after the people from village to village. Women and children in Lalin town are trying to move out now.
“The situation may be worse if nothing urgent is done. The problem started on a piece of land at Ponglong. Before today, the land owner went to cut a tree on the land and the Taroh people came and told him not to cut the tree that the land and tree belonged to them.
When they stopped him and arguments were going on, the Taroh boys picked the machine and fuel that he intended to use and cut the tree.
“He reported the matter to the Police and the machine was retrieved from the boys and handed over to him. He was asked to take the land case to court since the Police do not handle land matters but criminal issues.
“The matter was taken to court and the case is coming up on the 27th of this month. While waiting for the case, the Taroh people came from yesterday (Saturday) till today, sacking villages and burning property.
The Chairman of Mikang and his counterpart from Langtang North went to Ponglong today to talk about the issue. While they were there, the Funyalang people came on motorbikes, opening fire and everyone ran away.”
It was gathered that the State Commissioner of Police Hassan Yabanet and his team were on their way to the scene of the incident.