Eric Patrick
Residents in the Shimankar community of Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State were reportedly injured, and multiple homes and businesses set ablaze following a conflict between traditional worshippers and local youths.
Sources from the community who shared photos online on Monday disclosed that the traditional festival called ‘Kool Kwateng’, which marks the transition of toddlers into adulthood through circumcision rites, began on Sunday night. However, the event faced strong opposition from some youths belonging to a different faith, leading to outbreaks of violence.
The event sparked chaos among the residents, with women and children rushing to find safety as angry youths ignited fires in homes and businesses. This led to a significant disruption of local business activities in the community.
Confirming the conflicts to journalists, the Shendam Local Government Council Chairman, Kemi Nshe, stated that the incident was as a result of misunderstanding between traditional worshippers and some youths during the annual festival.
“There was a misunderstanding among the natives and some youths, and the situation was hijacked by some criminal elements who resorted to burning houses and shops with people injured and property destroyed in the process. The injured are receiving medical attention in nearby hospital,” he said.
Nshe commended the efforts of security agencies in controlling the incident from escalating as normalcy has returned to the troubled community.
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Meanwhile, the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Lalong, has condemned the skirmishes in Shimankar, describing the clashes within his constituency between some groups in the community as unfortunate and called for restraint and calm as dialogue remains the best way to address any differences.
Senator Simon Lalong, representing the Plateau South Senatorial District, expressed his disapproval of the recent tensions in Shimankar.
Lalong labeled the conflicts among various groups in his constituency as regrettable and urged everyone to exercise restraint and maintain calm, emphasizing that dialogue is the most effective approach to resolving differences.
Lalong in a statement signed by his media adviser, Simon Makut, commended law enforcement agencies and members of the traditional institution for their prompt response in calming the situation.
He further urged the people to sustain vigilance to ensure that normalcy prevails in the community.