A long-simmering land dispute between two families in Kopkopshe village, Loham Ward of Tunkus, Mikang Local Government Area, erupted into deadly violence over the weekend, leaving one man dead and several others injured.
The violent clash, reportedly fueled by a bitter inheritance disagreement over a farmland, marks a tragic escalation in a feud that has lasted over five years. While the families have been at odds for more than two years, one of them claims the dispute has lingered even longer and is still in court.
Chairman of Mikang Local Government Council, Dr. Benard Soepding Alkali, visited the community following the incident to assess the damage and mediate the rising tension. In a strongly worded statement, Alkali condemned the violence, calling it “unnecessary, unacceptable, and a setback to peace-building efforts in the region.”
“It’s shameful that while government is working hard to defend our lands from external invaders and land grabbers, we are killing ourselves over inherited land,” Alkali said. “When brothers fight over land, a stranger inherits it.”
The chairman confirmed that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has been briefed and has directed him to engage the families involved and find a lasting solution. He emphasized that the administration remains committed to maintaining peace among the four ethnic groups in Mikang.
Felix Bagen, son of the deceased, recounted the brutal killing of his father and pleaded for government intervention. “Let the government take custody of the land until the court decides,” he urged.
Community leader Mr. Saty Woldut thanked the council chairman for his visit and promised cooperation to restore peace. Meanwhile, Long Lalin, Leader of the Mikang legislative arm and councillor representing Luham Ward, called on community elders to rein in local youths and discourage further violence.
As families bury their dead and tensions remain high, the community is left grappling with a painful reminder: peace, once shattered by greed and mistrust, is not easily repaired.
