Ethnic clash kills 15 in Kebbi as residents flee homes

A devastating ethnic clash in Lafagu community, Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State has claimed the lives of 15 individuals, including the village head Alhaji Sa’idu Mujeli. The violence, involving members of the Fulani and Kambari communities, has forced residents to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in Bagudo town.

The tension between the communities escalated following a previous confrontation, which led to retaliatory attacks. According to the Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Umar Muhammad Hadejia, six suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings. Three of the suspects are currently held at the Criminal Investigation Department office in Kaoje, while the remaining three are at the CID office in Birnin Kebbi.

Hadejia stated that the violence followed an earlier incident involving the alleged killing of two people, which sparked a retaliatory attack in Lafagu. The clash resulted in the deaths of Mujeli and 14 others in the Lafagu and Buya communities. A family member of the deceased village head alleged that the violence began with attacks on Fulani residents, who were then targeted by the attackers, who searched homes and eventually reached the village head's residence, where they killed him and set his house on fire.

The incident has raised concerns among residents, who are now fearful of further attacks and have abandoned the affected communities. Security personnel have been deployed to maintain order and prevent additional violence. The identities of those responsible for the killings remain under investigation, with conflicting accounts emerging regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragic events.