Youth Clash Disrupts Birthday Party, Triggers Protest in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A clash between youths from Mista-Ali and Tilde Fulani communities in Plateau State disrupted a birthday celebration and sparked a protest that temporarily blocked a major highway in the area.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday during a birthday party held at Nemi Hotel in Jos North Local Government Area.
According to the sources, the altercation, which started between groups of youths attending the event, escalated into a protest by some Mista-Ali youths who subsequently blocked the major highway passing through the community.
Troops deployed under Operation Enduring Peace and maintaining security in the area responded to the disturbance following reports of the clash and the ensuing protest.
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The sources said that upon arrival at the scene, the security personnel came under attack from some of the protesters who allegedly hurled stones and bottles at their vehicles, causing damage to parts of one of the operational vehicles.
To restore order and disperse the crowd, the troops reportedly fired warning shots, after which the protesters vacated the highway and normal movement was restored.
The organiser of the birthday party, identified as Muhammad Yusuf, 22, was arrested in connection with the incident and subsequently handed over to security authorities at Keystone Outpost, Mista-Ali, for further investigation and necessary action.
No fatalities were reported during the incident, while security operatives have continued to monitor the area to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
Authorities urged residents to remain peaceful and channel grievances through lawful means, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the clash continue.