The Yauri Local Government Area (LGA) of Kebbi State has imposed a 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew following a bloody clash between youths engaged in gold mining activities in the Garin Katta community.
Naijaonpoint reports that the unrest, which erupted last Saturday, led to the loss of lives and widespread destruction of property.
However, the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
According to Channels Television, eyewitnesses claimed that the crisis began when a group of miners allegedly killed an individual during a dispute.
The victim’s relatives were said to have launched a retaliatory attack the following day, which then provoked further violence.
In retaliation, the miners reportedly went on a rampage, vandalising shops and setting motorcycles ablaze indiscriminately.
Confirming the development, Chairman of Yauri Local Government, Abubakar Shuaibu, said he had informed the Police Area Commander and the Department of State Services (DSS) before the crisis escalated.
“The body of the deceased was recovered and buried according to Islamic rites,” Shuaibu said.
He explained that efforts to identify the perpetrators were thwarted.
“We demanded the names of those responsible for the killing, and some individuals were willing to cooperate. However, when we decided to accompany them to identify the culprits, their colleagues prevented them from doing so,” he noted.
The chairman added that after his deputy returned from the burial, reports came in that miners had resumed attacks in parts of the town.
“With no other option, I contacted the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) but was unable to reach him, possibly because he was in a meeting. I then sought military support to restore order in Yauri,” Shuaibu stated.
He urged residents to shun violence, warning that “conflict is harmful, and God is displeased with anyone who initiates it. That is why we have deployed security forces to maintain peace and stability.”
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