Ombatse leader, Baba Alakyo, Scores Killed in Egon, Fulani Herdsmen Clash

Scores of villagers in­cluding the spiritual leader of the Ombatse (Egon militia group), Allu Agu, a.k.a Baba Alakyo, were feared killed in Alakyo village in Nasarawa State, dur­ing a renewed clash between Ombatse members and Fulani herdsmen, over the weekend.

The clash lasted several hours and resulted in casualties on both sides. Properties worth millions of naira were also de­stroyed.

Daily Sun learnt that fighting broke out in the early hours of Saturday when the herdsmen attacked Alakyo village. The invasion prompted a reprisal on Shabu town, a suburb of Lafia, the state capital. According to a source, 3 people were killed in Shabu and many houses were allegedly touched by the attackers, suspected to be Ombatse men.

Another source alleged that suspected Ombatse members stole 500 cattle belonging to the Fulani herdsmen and in their bid to recover the stolen animals invaded Alakyo village.

When Daily Sun visited the troubled area, soldiers were on patrol thereby, ensuring free human and vehicular movements.

Meanwhile, there was no official statement either from government or security agents in the state as at Press time.But a resident of the area who did not want his name on print told Daily Sun that the death of the Eggon spiritual leader may restore lasting peace to the area.

Recall that early last year, the Ombatse men were alleged to be responsible for the death of over 100 security personnel deployed to Alakyo village to arrest Baba Alakyo.

The incidence led many of the natives to abandon their communities to take refuge in Lafia. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ismaila Numan declined comment on the ckash, saying, “I’m not the PPRO, I will send his number to you later”. At the time of filling-in this report normalcy has returned to the area as security agents are up and doing.

Source:

Sun Newspaper