Communal crisis claims 2 in Nasarawa

From Linus Oota, Lafia

No fewer than two persons lost their lives, following a fresh crisis that broke out between Eggon ethnic group and Hausa Fulani residents at Barkin-Kogi area Sabon-Ginda in Lafia East Development Area of Nasarawa State at the weekend.
Investigation by our correspondent revealed that fight broke out when some Eggon youths resident in the area, who came in their large numbers to clear off grasses that had eaten up their houses when some Hausa Fulani youth allegedly restricted them.
Finding further revealed that Hausa Fulani told the Eggon that: “Whose orders brought you to Sabon-Ginda. Go and seek clearance from the state government before you can be allowed to stay here.”
The Eggon youth had replied the Hausa Fulani: “You don’t have the right to stop us because this place belongs to us and nobody can stop us. Crisis has ended so we have come to clear off grasses around our houses. who gave you the authority to restrict us from our homes?”
But it was also gathered that the nasty statements of both warring parties sparked off attack between them and led to the death of two persons from both sides.
Finding by our correspondent indicated that some of the Eggon youth were said to have launched an attack on one Hausa Fulani said to be hunting for fish at Barkin-Kogi area of Sabon-Gida.
Our correspondent also learnt that a reprisal attack was said to have launched by some Hausa Fulani thereby resulting in one Eggon youth, as casualty.
The presence of policemen drafted to the scene of the incident averted further attack even as it was gathered that both parties were shooting sporadically into the air.
Reacting to the incident in an interview with our correspondent the Osakio of Assakio, Mr. Osula Inarigu called on both rivals to lay down their arms and allow peace to rain in the area.

 

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