Aviolent disagreement during Monday’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration in Alwasa community, Argungu LGA of Kebbi, has led to the death of three persons, the chairman, Sani Aliyu-Gulma, has said.
Mr Aliyu-Gulma disclosed this on Tuesday, when Governor Nasir Idris visited the community to commiserate with residents and families of the deceased.
Narrating the incident to the governor, he explained that trouble began on Monday evening, when two Fulani youths rode into the town on a motorcycle and began stunt riding, locally known as “boris”, in celebration of the Sallah festivity.
He said the act did not go down well with some residents, who challenged them to discontinue the ride.
“Unfortunately, one of the Fulani boys brought out a knife and stabbed an innocent passerby, who was not even involved in the altercation. The perpetrator fled the scene, while his accomplice was apprehended by the residents.
“Fortunately, the divisional police officer and I intervened, rescued him and took him to Argungu for safety. Regrettably, the victim later died from the stab wounds, which angered Alwasa youths, prompting them to attack Fulani settlements in a reprisal.
“Your Excellency, in spite of our efforts, alongside security operatives, to pacify the situation, trekking over six kilometres, we recovered the bodies of two Fulani youths killed in the retaliatory attack,” stated Mr Aliyu-Gulma.
Mr Aliyu-Gulma described the incident as “unprecedented” in the otherwise peaceful community.
According to him, Alwasa had maintained a harmonious relationship with Fulani visitors during festive periods over the years.
He thanked the governor for the condolence visit, describing it as a demonstration of compassion and responsive leadership.
The district head of Alwasa (the Sarkin Kudun Alwasa), Sama’ila Muhammad-Mera, condemned the dastardly incident.
Mr Muhammad-Mera described it as “reprehensible and alien to the culture of our people.
“We remain grateful for Your Excellency’s timely visit and concern for the well-being of our people, especially in moments of distress,” he said.
The governor expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as “unfortunate and unacceptable”.
“Alwasa is known to be a peaceful and hospitable community. This development is, therefore, unpalatable. The government will not condone any act of lawlessness.
“No one should take the law into their hands; law and order must prevail in Kebbi. Whoever feels aggrieved should seek redress through lawful means, while security agencies must be allowed to perform their duties,” he said.
He vowed that all those involved in the killings from both sides would be arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.
He cautioned against further reprisal attacks and urged the Fulani community to remain calm, in spite of the loss of their members.
“I appeal to all parties to maintain the peace and continue to live in harmony with one another,” Mr Idris said.
The head of the Fulani community in the area, Ardo Inuwa, informed the governor that one of the slain youths was his elder brother’s son.
Mr Inuwa, however, assured the government of the community’s commitment to peace.
“We accept this as an act of destiny and assure you that there will be no reprisal. We will continue to live peacefully with our neighbours in Alwasa,” he said.
The governor later announced a N2 million donation to each of the three bereaved families as support.
(NAN)
