In Bauchi State, a clash between the Gudum Hausawa and Gudum Fulani communities resulted in the death of one person and the destruction of over 20 homes.
The crisis erupted on Wednesday following the burial of two people killed on Saturday in an attack on a wedding send-off by hoodlums.
Concerned about the situation, state governor Bala Mohammed imposed a 24-hour curfew to avert an out-of-control crisis.
Accompanied by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Umar Sanda, the governor visited communities to gain firsthand knowledge of the incident and to express his condolences to the residents.
He also gave an insight into the efforts of the state authorities since the clashes began.
“I have come here to commiserate with my brothers and sisters over the ugly incident that happened within the last one week,” said Governor Mohammed. “Last three days, two peace-loving and unsuspecting Christian youths were killed by suspected hoodlums who don’t want us to live in peace.
“After that incident, all the suspects were arrested, the commissioner has attested to this and we are in the process of prosecuting them. Of course, during this burial, we had a reprisal. Two wrongs don’t make a right.”
The governor promised that justice would be served and those who lost properties to the incident would be compensated.
“Those who came and unleash this havoc, burning houses and one man died, were not members of this community; they came from somewhere,” he stated. “We are looking around and we will make sure we give you cover.
“I have directed the commissioner of police to make sure that there is a police station at the fringes and inside the community. The community is a diverse community, a community of Muslims and Christians, and a community of the Fulani, Sayawa, Hausa, Jarawa, and other tribes.
“This is the reflection of the heterogeneity of Bauchi. This is a reflection of the diversity of Nigeria. We have to live in peace. Bauchi has made a name that we are peaceful. I will make sure I give you the required leadership. It is my duty to make sure I come here to ensure peace in this place.”
Gudum Hausawa, Gudum Sayawa, and Gudum Fulani are ethnoreligious communities that share boundaries but have a history of clashes for many years.