11 killed as Fulani herdsmen clash with communities

dimeji akinloye

July 12, 2016 3:55 AM

It was gathered many were injured in Barakuta, as houses vehicles and motorcycles were also torched.

A nomadic man leading a herd of cows.

At least 11 persons have died after a clash between suspected Fulani Herdsmen and Gbagyi communities in Niger State, Police said.

It was reported that the incident occurred during the Eid-El- Fitri celebration - four persons were killed in Lamba, Paikoro local government, while another seven were butchered during another clash between the same ethnic people in Barakuta in Boss local government area of the state.

The cause of the two clashes was unclear as at the time of filing this report.

The State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, condemned the attacks and vowed to bring the perpetrators to book, describing the killings as "senseless and unwarranted."

“Nobody has the power or right to take the life of others. These senseless and unwarranted killings cannot and will not be condoned. You cannot just take machete and kill somebody because of disagreement. There are laws and nobody can claim to be above the law," Bello said while speaking at the Bosso Primary School, where the displaced women and children from Bara-Kuta were being temporarily sheltered..

"Whatever maybe the grievances, people cannot take laws into their hands. I have instructed the chairmen of the affected councils, Commissioner of Police and my Special Adviser, Security to fish out the masterminds of the two clashes as well as their accomplices. I have also directed for comprehensive investigations into the incidences with a view to prosecuting and bringing to book the culprits. We are determined to bring an end to this barbaric act. The Police and other security agencies should ensure that we get to the root of these sad events, prosecute and punish those found culpable,” he added.

READ: Fulani herdsmen kill 81 people in Benue

The Governor also directed the State Emergency Management Agency to make sure the displaced persons are well taken care of and ordered the Police to ensure maximum protection is provided at the camp.

dimeji akinloye