No fewer than 100 villagers of Kopako community in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State have allegedly fled their homes for fear of their lives following a violent clash over the appointment of their Village Head.
It was gathered that they scampered for safety due to threats posed by groups involved in the chieftaincy power tussle in the community.
DAILY POST learnt that the problem started after the death of the last village head, Muhammed Kuso Gana, in March 2024, when Alh Mohammed Yisa of Zhitsu Yisa house was secretly installed to succeed him.
It was gathered that after the death of the last village head, Muhammed Kuso Gana, it was supposed to be the turn of the Zhitsu Gbogbo ruling house to ascend the throne. However, due to shoddy deals by some personalities, Alh. Mohammed Yisa of Zhitsu Yisa compound was unilaterally installed.
In a four-page letter signed by Oluwole Oluranti ESQ titled “Complaint Against Threat to Life, Causing Grievous Hurt, Possession of Dangerous Weapons,” dated 27 April 2024 and received by the Niger State Commissioner of Police on 29 April 2024, it was stated that those behind the recent crisis disregarded the directive of the Etsu Nupe.
The letter explained that the ascension to the throne of the Village Head of Kopako community was recently affirmed with an agreement of all the ruling houses.
It stated, “As a result of the injustice, all the ruling houses approached the Etsu Nupe at the Wadata Palace, Bida, on April 24. After listening to all affected parties, the Emir directed that Alh. Mohammed Yisa be removed and replaced by the rightful person from the Zhitsu Gbogbo ruling house.”
“On that faithful day, Etsu Nupe also directed that the rotational ascension established by the palace be strictly adhered to as part of resolutions to avoid future clashes.”
The letter also expressed worry over the incessant attacks on his clients, as both the police command, Bida Area Command, and Doko Police Division seem to be overwhelmed.
“This inaction by the police seems to have given the attackers courage to regroup and attack my clients on April 25, 26, and 27, 2024, without legal action against over 20 principal perpetrators of the heinous crimes,” he noted.
Oluwole, however, seeks prompt intervention of the security agencies to bring the situation under control and enable his clients to return to their community for lasting peace to reign.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the receipt of the complaint letter on the crisis, saying the issue is being handled by the SCID Minna for proper investigation.
According to him, “the SCID operatives have been mobilized to the scene since May 4, while the alleged suspects were nowhere to be found. They are on the run.”
“We are urging the villagers and citizens to go about their normal duties, adding that perpetrators will be brought to face the wrath of the law.”