Hausa Goat Sellers Attacked Youths In Otukpo Town Benue, 10 Killed

A mandatory curfew has been imposed on Otukpo
town by Dr Innocent Onuh, the Area Chairman after a
clash between Fulani goat sellers and area residents
in Guma and Otukpo led to the death of 10 people.
According to Vanguard, Otukpo council chairman was
forced to impose the movement restrictions in the
town following an escalation of the crisis that erupted
when some Hausa goat sellers flouted the directive of
the council to desist from trading at the town's
central mosque.
The source said: "Their arrest sparked angry reaction
from Muslim youths in the area, who felt that their
kins were being unduly harassed.
"They resorted to making bonfires directly on the
highway, which led to heavy traffic jam on either side
of the road that links the north and eastern part of
the country.
"After failing to convince the youths to leave the
road, Police resorted to shooting into the air to scare
them away, which led to a stampede and the death
of one Zakari and the injury of eight others.
"Despite spirited efforts to check the crisis, it
continued into the night and early hours of Monday
(yesterday) leaving four more persons dead and
property destroyed."
When contacted, Onuh confirmed the decision of the
council to impose curfew on the ancient town, adding
that "security personnel have moved in to restore
peace in the affected areas."
Meantime, at least 10 people may have been killed
while many houses have also been burnt down by
rampaging Fulani herdsmen at Nzorov and Gbajimba
in Guma local government area of the state.
Sources in the communities disclosed that the strike
on the communities was a reprisal attack by the
herdsmen, who decided to avenge an earlier attack
on them by yet to be identified youths of the area.
The source said: "As I speak with you, about 10
persons may have been killed by rampaging
herdsmen who have also set several houses ablaze in
the communities and are also heading towards the
centre of the council headquarters.
"We learnt that the herdsmen vowed they would not
allow us celebrate Christmas in our homes."

Sent From David Aniemeka