A violent clash between Tswako Makun village and Gbangba Dzuko village in Gbako LGA of Niger State has resulted in the deaths of two individuals, identified as 40-year-old Haruna Mohammed and 20-year-old Mohammed Kolo.
The confrontation, which occurred during a wedding reception at Tswako Makun, reportedly began when a boy from Gbangba Dzuko allegedly made unwanted advances towards one of the brides. Subsequently, the boy was reportedly assaulted by friends of the groom, leading to his death at Lemu General Hospital, where he was initially treated before being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Bida.
In retaliation for the boy’s death, youths from Gbangba Dzuko purportedly launched a reprisal attack on Tswako Makun. This resulted in one fatality and extensive property damage, including the burning of houses, food supplies, and motorcycles. Additionally, significant amounts of cash, stored in homes, were destroyed, and several individuals sustained injuries, with some requiring medical attention at Lemu General Hospital.
Yahaya Alhaji Ibrahim, the Press Secretary to the Gbako LGA chairman, confirmed the incident, stating that the chairman, Hassan Muhammad, visited both communities to assess the situation and offer condolences. Muhammad’s visit aimed to initiate steps toward resolving the crisis and restoring peace to the affected areas. He urged displaced residents of Tswako Makun to return home, assuring them of heightened security measures in place.
However, as of the report, the Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, did not respond to inquiries regarding the incident. The situation remains tense, with efforts underway to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence.