One Killed, Dozens Injured In Niger Communal Clash

A clash between two communities in Mokwa local government area of Niger State over a piece of land left one person dead and others injured yesterday.

Our correspondent gathered that the clash between Etti-sheshi community and Tankwo-Angwan of the same council was over a piece of farmland which was originally for Epa community.

It was learnt youths from Etti Sheshi allegedly shot at one Mohammed Sani from Tankwo- Angwan and killed him on the spot for trying to start dry season farming on the piece of land in question.

In the midst of heated arguments, it was gathered that youths from Etti- Sheshi armed with a dane gun shot at Sani who was observing Ramadan fast and he died on the spot.

An eyewitness said the situation went out of control with several people injured from both sides.

It took the intervention of security agencies to avert an escalation.

Police sources in Mokwa said many of the youths involved in the clash were arrested and would be transferred to the state criminal investigation department for investigation.

Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that one  person died and others sustained minor injuries during the clash.

He said , “One Mohammed of Etisheshi area allegedly blocked the way of one Abu of Takowangwa village, both villages under Mokwa . This resulted in a serious argument between them but was later resolved.

“Until the following morning, a distress call was received from the community and Mokwa Div mobilised patrol teams to the area including other security agencies. It was discovered that youths of both communities were throwing stones at each other, while the security teams were able to restore peace.

“However, a few persons sustained minor injuries while one Sani Moh’d 35yrs of Takowangwa sustained gunshot injury from a suspected dane gun. He was taken to a nearby clinic and later referred to FMC Bida, unfortunately, he died on the way,” he said.