The appointment of the traditional ruler (village head) of Kopako community in Lavun local government area of Niger state has triggered violent dispute resulting in the displacement of over 100 inhabitants of the community.
Blueprint learnt that the villagers had to flee their homes due to serious threats to their lives.
It was gathered that the chieftaincy crisis erupted soon after the death of the last village head, Mall Muhammed Kuso Gana, in March 2024 and Alhaji Mohammed Yisa of Zhitsu Yisa compound was surreptitiously installed as successor.
The Zhitsu Gbogbo rulling house, it was learnt, has laid claim to ascend the throne as the next ruling house according to the rotational order established by forefathers of the community.
It was gathered that aggrieved parties have also appeared before the Etsu Nupe and chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, for mediation but the parties didn’t keep to the agreement and decision reached at the meeting.
Meanwhile the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state police command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the recipient of complaint letter on the crisis, explaining that the matter is being handled by the SCID, Minna, for proper investigation.