By Daniel Kokoricha
At least ten persons have reportedly sustained varied degrees of injuries as Hausa traders and Fulani herders engaged in a bloody clash at the popular Hausa Market along Benin-Warri road, Amukpe, Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.
It was learnt that some shops at the market were destroyed in the clash that happened on Monday.
There was tension with massive gridlock as many motorists were seen abandoning their vehicle by the roadside and flew.
A source said that the two warring groups started engaging in a superiority battle on Sunday night after an Hausa boy from one of the Northern States was reportedly stabbed by a Fulani herder in the bush, and he rushed home with injuries.
“The Hausas in the market, especially those of Nasarawa origin hurriedly mobilised and attacked the Fulani herdsmen settlements in the bush for a revenge.
“The Fulanis fought back, with dangerous weapons, a development which resulted in the battle that got even people who are not of northern origin running for their lives,” the source added.
A trader at the market, Ibrahim Umoru, explained that the crisis erupted after an Hausa boy was stabbed by a Fulani man because he was allegedly found around their camp.
“Maybe he (Fulani man) thought the boy came to steal from them. He did not ask why he (the boy) was there. The matter came to us this morning and we can’t just sit there and watch them attack us every time. We want to tell them we are not fools” the Hausa trader stated.
One of the Fulani herdsman who spoke in anonymous blamed the Hausas for the clash, but did not elaborate.
However, Sapele Police Command mobilized operatives led by CSP Harrison Nwaboisi to the scene to maintain peace.
The acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edafe Bright, could not be reached for comment on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
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