Nigerian Tribune on 27 April, 2014

THE latest violence between Eggon and Gwandara ethnic nationalities in Nasarawa State, on Saturday, claimed more than 30 lives, among whom were little children, Sunday Tribune gathered.

The violent clash allegedly erupted as a result of trespass by some Eggon youths on a piece of land reportedly belonging to the Gwandara tribe.

Investigations by Sunday Tribune revealed that some Eggon youths, who were challenged on why they trespassed on the piece of land, resorted to violence and unleashed terror on any Gwandara man sighted  in the area.

The community head of Igga, Mallam Yusuf Alade, who was reported to have been killed in the incident, was said to have intervened in the matter, harping on the need for amicable resolution. But that was not to be, as the Eggon youths, who were said to have laid siege to the town, started burning houses and killing men and children while reportedly sparing women.

Sunday Tribune learnt that the high number of casualties recorded was as a result of a wedding ceremony said to be ongoing in the town, which was attended by men and children who were ambushed and killed.

One of the survivors, who did not want to be named, said the military men were the first to arrive the area. But it was too late, as the attackers had fled the area before their arrival. The soldiers were also said to have conveyed the wounded to Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia.

When contacted on phone on Saturday, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ismaila Numan, confirmed the incident, but said only five persons were killed in the crisis. He added that the police had begun investigation into the crisis, noting that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

Gunmen kill LG cashier, 2 others in Sokoto
In another development, unknown gunmen stormed the personal residence of the cashier of Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Lawal Aliyu, where they slaughtered him and set the house and his car ablaze.

The number of the gunmen was not known at the time of filing this report, but they were said to have struck in the early hours of Saturday, asking after the cashier who was said to have gone into hiding when he sensed danger.

He was, however, said to have been forced out when the gunmen snatched his infant child from his mother, threatening to slaughter the infant if he failed to come out of hiding.

When he heard the child crying, Sunday Tribune learnt that Aliyu emerged from hiding into the waiting hands of the assailants, who sliced his throat open.

It was also learnt that two other people who attempted to help the late cashier were gunned down by the killers.

The spokesman of the Sokoto State police command, DSP Almustapha Sani, who confirmed the incident, however, said the cashier was shot to death and not slaughtered, adding that investigation has commenced into the incident.