One person has been killed with over 20 houses burnt in a clash between Gudum Hausawa and Gudum Fulani communities in Bauchi State.
The crisis escalated on Wednesday after the burial of two people who were killed on Saturday by hoodlums who launched an attack on a wedding send-forth.
Worried about the situation, the state governor, Bala Mohammed, imposed a 24-hour curfew, to prevent the crisis from getting out of control.
Accompanied by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Umar Sanda, the governor visited the communities to get first-hand knowledge of the incident and to also commiserate with the people.
He also gave an insight into the efforts of the state authorities since the clashes began.
“I have come here to commiserate with my brothers and sisters over the ugly incident that happened within the last one week,” said Governor Mohammed. “Last three days, two peace-loving and unsuspecting Christian youths were killed by suspected hoodlums who don’t want us to live in peace.
“After that incident, all the suspects were arrested, the commissioner has attested to this and we are in the process of prosecuting them. Of course, during this burial, we had a reprisal. Two wrongs don’t make a right.”
The governor promised that justice would be served and those who lost properties to the incident would be compensated.
“Those who came and unleash this havoc, burning houses and one man died, were not members of this community; they came from somewhere,” he stated. “We are looking around and we will make sure we give you cover.
“I have directed the commissioner of police to make sure that there is a police station at the fringes and inside the community. The community is a diverse community, a community of Muslims and Christians, and a community of the Fulani, Sayawa, Hausa, Jarawa, and other tribes.
“This is the reflection of the heterogeneity of Bauchi. This is a reflection of the diversity of Nigeria. We have to live in peace. Bauchi has made a name that we are peaceful. I will make sure I give you the required leadership. It is my duty to make sure I come here to ensure peace in this place.”
Gudum Hausawa, Gudum Sayawa, and Gudum Fulani are ethnoreligious communities that share boundaries but have a history of clashes for many years.