Four persons have been reported dead following a clash between Hausa and Fulani neighbours in Sokoto State.
Chairman of the Gudu Local Government Area, Umma Maikano, confirmed that four people had lost their lives when violence broke out on Saturday at Jimjimi, between Fulani herdsmen and Hausa farmers.
Maikano narrated: “A few days before the ill-fated day, some members of the Hausa farming community went to the bush but unusually could not see a single Fulani in their settlements. Surprisingly they began to hear gunshots from all angles.
“I won’t take sides with either of the warring parties. My duty as political head of the local government area is to protect the lives and property of all. But I’m aware two persons were killed on both sides.”
Tempers flared over a land dispute between Fulani herders and Hausa farmers.
One unidentified herder said: “Last Wednesday, Hausa people returned from the bush to find out that two of their brothers were missing. They suspected Fulanis and blamed us for their disappearance.
“Looking at the situation and considering what might follow, our leader instructed us to vacate our settlements. But before we did that, they (Hausa people) stormed our place last night, set fire to our makeshift rooms and killed two of our people.
“We have since reported the matter to the local government Chairman.”
Spokesperson for the state police command, ASP Rufa’i Ahmad could not confirm the incident.
Scores died in April last year when both sides faced each other in Gwadabawa community of Sokoto State.
Those who died included a security operative.
