Three killed in communal clash between Garun-Gabas and Yakila communities in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Atleast three persons were killed following a violent communal clash between Garun-Gabas and Yakila communities in Rafi Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that the clash erupted on Friday during a reconciliation meeting convened by the District Head of Yakila at his palace to address lingering tensions between the two communities.
The crisis began when a youth from Garun-Gabas, who came to attend the peace meeting, was attacked by some youths from Yakila. Policemen stationed at the Yakila Outstation intervened and rescued the victim.
However, the situation quickly escalated into a full-blown clash, as youths from Yakila turned on the security personnel and attempted to set fire to a military Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).
Military reinforcements from Garun-Gabas and Tegina were deployed to restore order, but in the ensuing violence, two individuals – Adamu Yola of Garun-Gabas and Alhaji Samaila Suleman of Yakila – were killed.
Another victim, identified as Abdu, popularly known as “Pure Water,” collapsed during the incident and was rushed along with another injured individual, Yahaya Lala of Yakila, to Dr. Frank Clinic in Tegina. Abdu was later confirmed dead, bringing the total number of fatalities to three.
Police sources say that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kagara, alongside a patrol team and 12 Police Mobile Force operatives from Tegina, moved to the area and succeeded in bringing the situation under control.
The corpses were released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites after they declined post-mortem examinations.
The Command said surveillance and monitoring efforts have been intensified in the affected areas to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
