At least two houses were burnt and prominent community leaders injured following a violent clash between youths in Mishigi settlement, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The violence, which erupted on Sunday and continued into the early hours of Monday, was triggered by a dispute over sand-mining activities, residents told Daily Trust.
A community leader, Malam Ahmad Mishigi, said the crisis was mainly between youths from Unguwar Mishigi and Unguwar Kudu and had its roots in a disagreement at sand-mining sites.
“The truth is that the conflict is mainly between youths. It started as a dispute over their means of livelihood, specifically at the sand-mining site.
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“Although the conflict occurred last year, it has now escalated into clashes between neighbourhoods,” he said.
Ahmad explained that the situation worsened on Sunday when fighting broke out, forcing residents to flee.
“Yesterday, when the incident happened, I was called and advised not to return home but to remain where I was because fighting had started in the town,” he said.
According to him, the violence resurfaced early on Monday morning.
“Today, Monday, at about 5:00am, after the first call to prayer, we heard that fighting had started again. It escalated to the point where two houses were set on fire, with one completely burnt while the other was partially damaged,” he said.
He added that attempts by elders to restore peace led to further tension after they were attacked.
“While they were fighting at the sand-mining site, the Chief Muezzin of Mishigi town, Malam Adamu, tried to intervene and separate them, but he was injured. That was when the situation became very serious,” he said.
Another community leader, Malam Nasiru Ibrahim, who reportedly attempted to restrain the youths from further violence, was also injured during the clash and taken to hospital for treatment.
“As of now, there is tension because nobody knows what may happen during the night. People are fleeing and abandoning their homes,” he added.
Daily Trust gathered that security operatives were deployed to the community following the escalation, with police firing teargas to disperse the youths and calm the situation.
Residents have since called for stronger security presence to prevent further violence.
“This is why we are calling for the urgent establishment of a police station in the town. We are also appealing for security personnel to be stationed here for some days so that peace can be restored,” Malam Ahmad said.
A resident of a neighbouring community, Baba Usman, described the incident as unfortunate and called for dialogue.
“There is a need for the youths and elders of the two communities to sit down and find a lasting solution. This kind of conflict should not be allowed to continue in the area,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the situation was under control.
“The situation is under control as heavy deployment of police was made to the law and order,” he said.
He, however, declined to comment on the number of houses burnt.
