- The incidence was reported by the council chairman, Umma Maikano
Four individuals have tragically lost their lives in a clash between Hausa and Fulani residents in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday at Jimjimi, within the Gudu Local Government Area, near the border between Nigeria and Niger Republic, as reported by 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.
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.