Fulani/Nupe clash claims 2 lives in Kwara

A bloody clash between Fulani and Nupe youths in Kpada village, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State has reportedly claimed two lives with several others seriously injured, Daily Trust has gathered.

Police sources, who confirmed the incident to our correspondents, said the fracas, which occurred around 9 p.m on Monday, snowballed to the next day following an attack on a Fulani settlement in the area.

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According to one of the sources, the clash was triggered by the alleged destruction of a rice farm by some cows belonging to a herder in the village.

The source, who was privy to the complaint lodged at the local station in the area over the incident, added that “While the Police were trying to meditate between the Fulani Community and the farmer, some youths went to attack the Fulani settlements which claimed one life.

Chairman of the Gaa Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Kwara State chapter, Ali Mohammed-Jonwuro, identified the deceased as Sanda Watanko, adding that one of the persons who sustained serious injury had been taken to the hospital for treatment.

It was further gathered that one of the Nupe youths was also killed in the clash while a police vehicle was vandalized.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident Wednesday evening.

He however said he could not confirm if there were casualties as “report available to me was sketchy and did not specify such”.

“There was actually a clash between the youths of Kpada and Fulani settlement in Edu.

“There was a report that some cows destroyed the rice farm belonging to a farmer, the Police invited both the Fulani and the farmer to settle the issue, but while the Police were on the matter, some youths went and attacked the Fulani.

“As of now, the matter has been resolved and normalcy has been restored in the area.

“I don’t have the report of the casualty. The command is investigating the crisis. Presently, calm has returned, no report of death received, please,” he submitted.