Governor Nasir Idris sues for peace after an Eid-el-Fitr clash in Kebbi’s Alwasa community left three people dead following a reprisal attack.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has urged peace after a violent disagreement during Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Alwasa community, Argungu Local Government Area, left three persons dead.
Chairman of Argungu Local Government, Sani Aliyu-Gulma, disclosed the incident on Tuesday when the governor visited the community to commiserate with residents and families of the victims.
Aliyu-Gulma explained that the violence 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 Sallah.
He said some residents challenged the act, leading to an altercation during which one of the youths allegedly stabbed a passer-by.
“The perpetrator fled the scene, while his accomplice was apprehended by residents. The victim later died from the stab wounds,” he said.
According to him, the death triggered anger among youths in Alwasa, who launched a reprisal attack on Fulani settlements, resulting in the killing of two youths.
He described the incident as unprecedented in the otherwise peaceful community and thanked the governor for the condolence visit.
Also speaking, District Head of Alwasa, Sama’ila Muhammad-Mera, condemned the incident, describing it as reprehensible and alien to the culture of the people.
In his remarks, Idris described the development as unfortunate and unacceptable, stressing that the government would not condone lawlessness.
“No one should take the law into their hands; law and order must prevail in Kebbi,” the governor said.
He vowed that all those involved in the killings from both sides would be arrested and prosecuted, warning against further reprisals.
Idris also appealed to the Fulani community to remain calm and maintain peaceful coexistence with their neighbours.
Earlier, head of the Fulani community in the area, Ardo Inuwa, said one of the victims was his relative but assured the government that there would be no retaliation.
The governor later announced a donation of N2 million to each of the three bereaved families.
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