Four persons have been confirmed dead following a clash between Hausa and Fulani residents in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria.
The incident happened on Saturday at Jimjimi, in the Gudu Local Government Area, near Nigeria/Niger Republic border, according to the council chairman, Umma Maikano.
“A few days before the ill-fated day, some members of the Hausa farming community went to the bush but unusually could not see a single Fulani in their settlements. Surprisingly they began to hear gunshots from all angles.
“I won’t take sides with either of the warring parties. My duty as political head of the local government area is to protect the lives and property of all. But I’m aware two persons were killed on both sides,” Maikano said.
It was gathered that the crisis started over a land dispute between Fulani herders and Hausa farmers.
A herder who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “Last Wednesday, Hausa people returned from the bush to find out that two of their brothers were missing. They suspected Fulanis and blamed us for their disappearance.
“Looking at the situation and considering what might follow, our leader instructed us to vacate our settlements. But before we did that, they (Hausa people) stormed our place last night, set fire to our makeshift rooms and killed two of our people.”
“We have since reported the matter to the local government chairman,” he added.
It was learnt on Monday that negotiation was ongoing to broker peace between the warring communities, according to the council chairman.
When contacted for comments, the spokesperson for the state police command, ASP Rufa’i Ahmad could not confirm the incident.
He told our correspondent on Monday (today): “I’m not in town, give me some time to verify the matter and get back to you.”
However, he had not got back as of press time.
