Tension in Delta Community as Hausa, Fulani clash, 10 persons injured  

There was palpable tension on Monday at the Hausa Market along the Benin – Warri road in Amukpe, Sapele as Hausa traders and Fulani herders engaged in a bloody clash with no fewer than 10 reportedly injured 

Advocate.ng gathered that for the timely intervention of the Police from Sapele Division led by CSP Harrison Nwaboisi that waded in and stopped further carnage and brought the crisis to a halt, lives would have been lost.

The deployment of policemen to scenes saved day, though before the police came, our correspondent who visited the area reports that wooden shops, tables and other wears were destroyed allegedly by the invading herders.

Advocate.ng reports that trouble started after an Hausa boy from Nassarawa was allegedly stabbed Sunday night when he visited the camp of some Fulani herders close to the market, this, according to multiple sources led to the clash.

It was further gathered that the Hausas, especially those from Nassarawa this morning mobilised and attacked the herders’ settlements in the bush. The Fulanis were said to have fought back and that resulted in the battle that got even people who are not of northern origin running for their lives in the area.

One of the traders in the market who identified himself as Ibrahim Umoru said the crisis started after a Hausa boy was stabbed by a Fulani man because he was found around their camp, “maybe he thought the boy came to steal from them, he did not ask why he was there, before attacking him.

“The matter came to us this morning and we can’t just sit down and watch them attack us every time, we want to tell them we are not fools,” he said.

A Fulani herdsman, who did not identify himself, blamed the Hausas for the clash, adding they are peace-loving people.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright could not be reached on the issue as his numbers were not connecting but a security source who craved anonymity told Vanguard that though tension is still high, “we will make sure peace is restored, we are already engaging their leaders on the way forward”

As of the time of filing this report, the crisis caused serious gridlock with motorists close to the scene of the incident abandoning their vehicle and fleeing for their lives, while others turning back to avoid been caught in the crossfire.