Kebbi Governor Urges Calm After Alwasa Clash Kills Three

Kebbi State Governor Calls for Calm After Deadly Intercommunal Clash

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has appealed for calm in Alwasa, Argungu Local Government Area, following a violent clash that resulted in three fatalities. The incident has heightened tensions between Hausa and Fulani communities in the region.

The confrontation began on Monday evening. According to a statement from Governor Idris’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki, the initial dispute involved Fulani youths who entered Alwasa and performed motorcycle stunts. This reportedly drew objection from local Hausa youths, leading to an altercation during which one Hausa resident was allegedly stabbed and later died.

This death triggered retaliatory attacks by some youths on Fulani residents in neighbouring areas. Two additional individuals, described as having no connection to the original incident, were killed. Several residents have since fled their homes for safety.

Governor Idris, who visited the community, described the violence as “painful, unfortunate and completely alien” to the area’s normally peaceful intercommunal relations. He sternly warned against vigilante justice, stating that the government would not tolerate lawlessness. “Anyone found to have taken part in these killings, regardless of tribe or status, will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted,” he said, emphasizing that innocent people must not suffer for crimes they did not commit.

The governor urged community and traditional leaders to actively promote peace and dialogue. He asked affected families to remain patient as the state government works to ensure justice is served.

Governor Idris also directed security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident, apprehend those responsible, and restore peace to facilitate the safe return of displaced residents.

Sani Aliyu Gulma, Chairman of the Argungu Local Government Area, confirmed the violence stemmed from the initial stabbing and expressed regret over the subsequent loss of innocent lives. The incident underscores ongoing challenges related to intercommunal relations and youth indiscipline in parts of northwestern Nigeria, with state authorities now moving to prevent further escalation and pursue accountability.