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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor Dr Nasir Idris has called on the Hausa and Fulani communities in Alwasa, Argungu Local Government Area, to remain calm and avoid any form of reprisal attack following the incident that led to the death of three persons.
The governor made the appeal during an on-the-spot visit to the Alwasa community to commiserate with the people after a violent misunderstanding between some Fulani youths and residents of the area on Monday evening, which degenerated into loss of lives and heightened tension in the community.
Idris described the development as painful, unfortunate, and completely alien to the long-standing peaceful coexistence for which the Argungu Emirate is known, stressing that the incident should not be allowed to destroy the harmony that has existed for decades between the Hausa and Fulani communities.
The governor was informed that the crisis began as a result of a misunderstanding involving Fulani youths who reportedly arrived in Alwasa and engaged in motorcycle stunts, which attracted the disapproval of some local youths.
In the course of the altercation, one Hausa resident was allegedly stabbed and later died.
The situation further escalated when angry youths allegedly launched reprisal attacks on Fulani residents in nearby settlements, leading to the death of two Fulani persons who were reportedly not connected to the original incident, while several others fled their homes for safety.
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Governor Idris strongly condemned the killings and warned that his administration would not fold its arms and allow individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands, emphasising that there are constituted authorities and security agencies responsible for handling criminal matters in the state.
“As a government, we will not tolerate lawlessness. Anyone found to have taken part in these killings, regardless of tribe or status, will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted. We cannot allow innocent people to suffer for offences they did not commit,” the governor declared.
He urged community leaders, youth leaders, and traditional authorities from both the Hausa and Fulani communities to intensify efforts at peacebuilding, restraint, and dialogue, while appealing to grieving families to remain patient and law-abiding as the government takes concrete steps to ensure justice is done.
Idris also directed security agencies to immediately intensify investigations, track down all those involved in the violence, restore confidence in the affected areas, and ensure that those displaced return safely, assuring residents that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
The Chairman of Argungu Local Government Area, Alhaji Sani Aliyu Gulma, who briefed the governor during the visit, confirmed that the violence was triggered by the stabbing incident and regretted that innocent persons later became victims of retaliation.
He commended Governor Idris for his swift intervention and prayed for continued peace, unity, and stability in Alwasa and across Kebbi State.
