By Adako Aselema

Nasarawa State Government has condemned, in very strong terms, the recent skirmishes in Keana which allegedly led to the death of one person and the torching of the palace of the Osana of Keana, Senator Emmanuel Elayo.

The state’s commissioner for information and orientation Alhaji Abdullahi Mustapha Aliyu, who made the condemnation in an interview with Nigerian Newsday last week, in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, said however, that the government would remain focused in its resolve to promote peace and harmony in the state.

He described the incident as unfortunate and coming at a time the administration had begun the implementation of projects targeted at improving the lives of the people of the state.

While admonishing journalists to always cross-check their facts before going to press, the commissioner disclosed that the security agencies in the state have been directed to thoroughly investigate the matter and identify the culprits with a view to bringing them to book.

Meanwhile, the Osana of Keana, Senator Emmanuel O. Elayo, told newsmen last week in his palace at Keana that trouble started penultimate Thursday at about 5.00am when he was informed that some youths of the community had blocked the major road leading to Keana town from Lafia before they were dispersed by a team of policemen.

Senator Elayo appealed to his subjects to maintain peace, assuring that the perpetrators of the heinous act would be brought to book.

When contacted, the newly elected chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Keana Local Government Council, Malam Mohammed Umar Elayo expressed his shock at the development, calling for peace and harmony among the populace.

At the time of filing this report all efforts made to get the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) to commend on the matter failed as he was side to be indisposed.