Delta community boils as Hausa traders, Fulani herders clash

There was palpable fear in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta state as Hausa traders and Fulani herders clash.

The development which was reported by The Punch to be bloody has resulted in the injury of no lesser than 10 persons.

According to reports, trouble started after a Hausa boy was stabbed by a Fulani herder.

Angered by the stabbing, the Hausas in the market, especially those of Nasarawa origin, were said to have hurriedly mobilised and attacked the Fulani herdsmen settlements in the bush.

But the Fulanis reportedly fought back, allegedly with dangerous weapons, a development which resulted in the battle that got even people running for their lives.

Commenting on the incident, a trader at the market, Ibrahim Umoru, told journalists 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 that we are not fools,” the Hausa trader was quoted by The Punch.

A Fulani herdsman who spoke with newsmen on the condition of anonymity blamed the Hausas for the clash, but did not elaborate.

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.

It was however reported that Police operatives from the Sapele Police Station, led by CSP Harrison Nwaboisi, have waded into the incident by mobilising security to strategic locations with a view to dousing the tension and preventing further damage.