Two football fans lost their lives on Saturday when an argument broke out at a viewing centre in Kano State.
Daily Trust Saturday reports that the leader of the Ja’en community in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State, Mukhtar Garba Baballiya, was among the victims murdered in the unrest.
The incident, which happened in the Sharada Ja’en community, was said to have been triggered by some casual mockery by a fan, which led to a fight.
The situation was said to have been heightened by thugs in the Sharada Ja’en community, who launched a series of violent attacks targeting residents and businesses resulting in chaos over the week.
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Eyewitnesses describe the situation as “chaotic” and “terrifying”, with groups of thugs roaming the streets, armed with weapons and attacking anyone on their path.
Speaking about the incident, the Ward Head of Sharada Ja’en, Ismail Sa’ad Usman told Daily Trust on Sunday that two persons have so far been confirmed dead but the matter is under control.
“We found ourselves in a very difficult situation as thugs clashed due to a rivalry fight that started from a football viewing centre,” he said.
The vigilante leader was reportedly stabbed on a Tuesday night when he was trying to intervene in the dispute between thugs in Ja’en Makera and Ja’en Unguwar Lalle.
Recently, clashes among thugs have become common occurrences in areas like Dorayi and Dala in the ancient city while a recent clash in Darmanawa Quarters left three persons dead.
Meanwhile, the police authorities have been deployed to the area to restore order, assuring citizens that they will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of all.