Two killed in Fulani, Gwari clash in Abuja

A fight between some Fulani settlers and indigenous Gwari people in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Saturday night has led to the death of two Fulani people in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed yesterday visited the site of incident.

The incident has forced about 200 Fulanis to seek refuge at the University of Abuja Permanent Site.

The cause of the clash was not known as at the time of filing this report but the Minister has called for a thorough investigation.

Commiserating with the Fulanis at the University site, Senator Bala Mohammed said his administration was concerned about the incident because the history of relationship between the Gwaris and Fulanis has been a very cordial one.

He urged them to take heart and not take any action that will be seen as a reprisal attack.

Minister Bala said President Goodluck Jonathan who has already been briefed about the incident enjoins both communities to live in peace and harmony with one another.

He announced that relief materials including food, water, mattresses and blankets have already been sent to them and they will continue to be looked after by FCT Administration and NEMA.

Senator Bala Mohammed who visited the incident's site with FCT Police Commissioner and Commander of the Guards Brigade, and other top FCT Administration officials, assured the displaced communities that all measures would be taken to ensure the security and protection of lives and property.

On his part, the Sarkin Fulani, who spoke on behalf of the Fulani Communities now residing temporarily at the University Campus, thanked the FCT Minister and President Goodluck Jonathan for coming to their rescue.

He gave assurance that they would continue to live in harmony with the Gwaris in the FCT, while urging the government to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.

Meanwhile the FCT Minister has called a meeting today, Monday, which he will be chairing at Gwawalada Area Council.

The meeting, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mohammed Hazat Sule, will be held with leaders of both Fulani and Gwari communities, the Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, traditional rulers of Gwagwalada and all other stakeholders with a view to making sure that peace between the communities is maintained, as well as finding lasting solution to such crisis.

Compass