Five Killed as Fulanis, Gwaris Vigilante Clash in Niger

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Not less than five people have been confirmed killed in a clash that occurred between Fulanis, Gwaris and men of the local vigilante at the Beji Market in the Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident which occurred on Wednesday evening at the weekly market of the town also left several people, mostly traders injured.

THISDAY learnt that the remains of those killed in the fracas have been deposited at the Minna General Hospital morgue while those seriously injured were also treated at the same hospital and others received attention locally.

It was learnt that trouble started when the Gwaris in the market noticed a suspected drug dealer who was arrested the previous market day plying his trade in the market.

The Gwaris in the town reportedly approached and asked how he escaped from the clutches of men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to eyewitnesses, the issue degenerated into a hot argument with the Gwaris insisting that the drug dealer must leave the market.

It was gathered that other Fulanis in the market rose in support of the drug suspect, a development that led to clashes between the two ethnic groups which also brought in men of the local vigilante groups.

Different dangerous weapons were deployed by the warring groups in the clash leading to one of those involved being pierced in the stomach with his intestine gushing out.

THISDAY learnt that those killed were either shot with locally made guns or cut with swords, matchets and were confirmed dead on arrival at the Minna General Hospital.

It was however gathered that the drug dealer at the centre of the crisis escaped but was later arrested and taken to the police station in the town.

The police have already taken over the entire market stopping traders from going in and out of the facility.

THISDAY learnt that the state government has closed the popular market for two weeks.

The police and the state government are yet to officially comment on the crisis.