Kebbi State Governor calls for calm following fatal community violence

In the wake of a deadly clash in Alwasa community, Argungu Local Government Area, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has urged residents to remain calm, as the incident has claimed three lives and heightened tensions between Hausa and Fulani residents.

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The governor's appeal came during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the community on Tuesday, where he warned against reprisals and assured that all those involved in the violence would face the full weight of the law, stressing that lawlessness would not be tolerated.

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Idris emphasized that anyone found to have participated in the killings, regardless of tribe or status, would be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted, adding that innocent people should not suffer for offences they did not commit.

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The crisis, which erupted on Monday evening, was reportedly triggered by a misunderstanding after some Fulani youths allegedly performed motorcycle stunts in the community, drawing the ire of local youths, according to reports gathered by PUNCH Online.

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What began as a confrontation quickly turned violent when a Hausa resident was allegedly stabbed and later died, prompting aggrieved youths to attack nearby Fulani settlements in retaliation, killing two persons said to have had no connection to the initial incident.

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Idris described the development as painful and unfortunate, noting that it runs contrary to the long-standing peaceful coexistence in the Argungu Emirate, and urged residents not to allow the incident to divide them.

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Residents said the aftermath of the violence forced many families to abandon their homes amid fears of further attacks, raising concerns about a potential cycle of reprisals in the agrarian community, as security personnel have been deployed to restore order.

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Local authorities confirmed that the situation deteriorated after the initial stabbing incident, with Chairman of Argungu Local Government Area, Sani Aliyu Gulma, briefing the governor on the incident and commending his swift intervention.

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Idris directed security agencies to intensify investigations, track down perpetrators, and ensure that displaced residents return safely to their homes, also calling on traditional rulers, youth leaders, and other stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and restraint.

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The governor emphasized the need for residents to embrace peace and allow the law to take its course, as communal tensions between farming and herding communities have periodically flared in parts of northern Nigeria, often driven by disputes over land use, movement, and local misunderstandings.

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Observers say the latest development underscores the fragile balance in rural communities and highlights the need for proactive conflict resolution mechanisms, although authorities insist that the situation in Alwasa is under control as security agencies continue efforts to restore normalcy.