Two persons were reportedly killed, scores injured and five houses were set ablaze in a renewed violent clash between rival restive youth groups of Yelwan Tsakani in Bauchi metropolis at the weekend. The brigandage led to the imposition of a 24 hour curfew by the state government which would stand indefinitely until security improves in the entire Yelwa area.
Confirming the incident to the press the state commissioner of police, Umar Mamma Sanda disclosed that three cars and a number of motorcycles were set ablaze and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.
The commissioner appealed to the general public for calm as security agencies were trying to maintain peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order in the affected area as well as Bauchi metropolis.
The clash took place Friday at about 9.30pm when the youths started shooting guns sporadically aimed at the rival group on the road leading to Lushi village in the Kagadama area.
Police operatives comprising Tactical teams, Mobile Police Force, Rapid Response Squad(RRS) and Quick intervention Unit(QIU) swiftly responded to the distress and brought the situation under control.
A resident of Kagadama confirmed to our correspondent that they heard several gunshots in the area in the early hours of Saturday while another resident from Tsakani said that gunshots were heard throughout the night.
Another source from the affected area told our correspondent that the clash was a reprisal following an attack on Tuesday when three youths were allegedly killed in front of their house in Yelwan Tsakani.
It was reported that the attackers also snatched telephone sets and other valuables from the attacked youths after injuries were inflicted on them.
A resident of the area who pleaded anonymity said, “We were at home when suddenly we started hearing gunshots and shouts from outside. Much later, houses were set ablaze by the rampaging youths.”
“I can’t tell the number of people injured but many were injured and their houses, cars and other properties that were burnt by the irate youths. It was the prompt arrival of security operatives that saved the situation. I am not aware of any death.”
A visit to the area Saturday morning revealed that tension was still high as youths were seen standing in groups armed with sticks and other dangerous weapons hid under.
