Gbagyi/Fulani clash: Culprits will be prosecuted —Gov Sani Bello

Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has vowed to bring masterminds and accomplices of last weekend’s  violent clashes between Gbagyis and Fulanis in Lamba, Paikoro Local Government and also in Bara-kuta, Bosso Local Government to book.

He made this declaration on Sunday night at Bosso Primary School, Bosso, when he visited some displaced women and children from Bara-Kuta fracas after he had visited the scenes of the clashes in the two communities.

No fewer than seven  persons were killed in the skirmishes at Lamba just as additional seven lives were lost in Bara-Kuta between Friday and Sunday morning, while several others were injured.

Irked by the dastardly acts and the wanton destruction of property and farm lands, the governor said lawlessness would not be condoned in the state stressing that nobody was above the law.

“Nobody has the power or right to take the life of others.

These senseless and unwarranted killings cannot and will not be condoned. You cannot just take machete and kill somebody because of disagreement. There are laws and nobody can claim to be above the law. Whatever maybe the grievances, people cannot take laws into their hands.

“I have instructed the chairmen of the affected councils, Commissioner of Police and my Special Adviser, Security, to fish out the masterminds of the two clashes as well as their accomplices. I have also directed for comprehensive investigations into the incidents with a view to prosecuting and bringing to book the culprits.

“We are determined to bring an end to this barbaric act. The police and other security agencies should ensure that we get to the root of these sad events, prosecute and punish those found culpable”.

At the temporary camp for the internally displaced persons from Bara-Kuta, the governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) to ensure the comfort of the people and the police to provide adequate protection for the IDPs.

The governor then assured residents of the affected communities to go after their lawful duties as government would provide adequate security for the people and their property.