Eid clash: Gov Idris sues for peace as 3 die in Kebbi Community

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Gov Nasir Idris of Kebbi State.

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A violent disagreement during Monday’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration in Alwasa Community, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi has led to the death of three persons, the Chairman, Alhaji Sani Aliyu-Gulma, has said.

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Aliyu-Gulma made this known on Tuesday, when Gov. Nasir Idris visited the community to commiserate with residents and families of the deceased.

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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.

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He said the act did not go down well with some residents, who challenged them to discontinue.

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Aliyu-Gulma said: “Unfortunately, one of the Fulani boys brought out a knife and stabbed an innocent passer-by, who was not even involved in the altercation.

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“The perpetrator fled the scene, while his accomplice was apprehended by the residents.

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“Fortunately, the Divisional Police Officer and I intervened, rescued him and took him to Argungu for safety.

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“Regrettably, the victim later died from the stab wounds, which angered Alwasa youths, prompting them to attack Fulani settlements in a reprisal.

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“Your Excellency, in spite 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.”

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Aliyu-Gulma described the incident as “unprecedented” in the otherwise peaceful community.

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According to him, Alwasa had over the years maintained harmonious relationship with Fulani visitors during festive periods.

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He thanked the governor for the condolence visit, describing it as a demonstration of compassion and responsive leadership.

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Also speaking, the District Head of Alwasa (the Sarkin Kudun Alwasa), Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad-Mera, condemned the dastardly incident.

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Muhammad-Mera described it as “reprehensible and alien to the culture of our people.

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“We remain grateful for Your Excellency’s timely visit and concern for the wellbeing of our people, especially in moments of distress,” he said.

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In a remark, the governor expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as “unfortunate and unacceptable”.

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“Alwasa is known to be a peaceful and hospitable community. This development is, therefore, unpalatable.

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“Government will not condone any act of lawlessness.

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“No one should take the law into their hands; law and order must prevail in Kebbi.

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“Whoever feels aggrieved should seek redress through lawful means, while security agencies must be allowed to perform their duties,” he said.

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He vowed that all those involved in the killings from both sides would be arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.

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He cautioned against further reprisal attacks, and urged the Fulani community to remain calm, in spite the loss of their members.

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“I appeal to all parties to maintain the peace and continue to live in harmony with one another,” Idris said.

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Earlier, 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.

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Inuwa, however, assured the government of the community’s commitment to peace.

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“We accept this as an act of destiny and assure you that there will be no reprisal.

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“We will continue to live peacefully with our neighbours in Alwasa,” he said.

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The governor later announced a N2 million donation to each of the three bereaved families as support.

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