APRIL 09 , 2023 | EASTERN PILOT Report By: Olakunle Moroof | In the Gwadabawa local government area of Sokoto State, a violent clash between...
APRIL 09 , 2023 | EASTERN PILOT
Report By: Olakunle Moroof |
In the Gwadabawa local government area of Sokoto State, a violent clash between Hausa and Fulani residents has reportedly resulted in the loss of many lives. According to Aminu Bello, a resident of the area, the crisis began when Hausa locals attempted to rescue their members who were allegedly kidnapped by Fulani in the community. Bello disclosed that the conflict stemmed from the consistent harassment that Hausa locals had endured from the Fulani. Recall that since 2015 the Fulani has been slaughtering indigenous people all over Nigeria.
Honourable Balarabe Salame, a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing the Gwadabawa/Illela federal constituency, stated that he would comment after receiving details of what transpired. Sokoto State police confirmed an escalation of banditry activities in some communities in the Gwadabawa local government area, which has led to rising tensions in some villages within the council. The police spokesman, DSP Sanusi Abubakar, confirmed ongoing joint military operations with members of the state police command to address the situation. However, Sanusi could not confirm that the violence was between the Fulani and Hausa communities, as details of the alleged violence were still emerging.
A local official, Aminu Gwadabawa, told the VOA Hausa in an interview monitored by our correspondent on Saturday, that “People in the area were living in fear, as the conflict even claimed the life of a soldier. “They are afraid of reprisal attacks from the Fulani bandits.”
Survivors speak
According to a survivor, “the Fulani attacked my relation with knives. But he has spiritual powers that would not allow sharp objects to pierce his skin. “So they intensified the attack on him and succeeded in hacking his head off his body.” Similarly, a Fulani man who survived the violent communal clash, narrated his ordeal.
According to him, “I was shot at twice but I survived. I begged them not to kill me. But they shot at me.” The VOA Hausa reported that when the police in Sokoto were contacted, they said they were still waiting for details of the attack.
Scores were reportedly killed during the conflict, while many sustained injuries. Attacks allegedly by Fulani bandits, were not new in the area as of recent. Bandits reportedly raided communities in Rabah and other locations in the Northwest state.
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