Two people have been killed in separate attacks arising from a violent clash between youths in Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State, with the police arresting seven suspects over the incident.
The violence occurred following the alleged attack on a 29-year-old commercial tricycle operator, Abdulrahman Nuru, in the Tudun Wus area of Dass by one of the seven suspects, Ibrahim El-Safwan, popularly called Jabala’i.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Command spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, the police disclosed that preliminary investigation showed that Ibrahim El-Safwan, also known as Jabala’i, of Bayan Fada area, allegedly conspired with his accomplices and intercepted Nuru before attacking him with cutlasses.
The spokesperson added that Nuru, who was said to have sustained multiple injuries, was rushed to the General Hospital, Dass, where a medical doctor later confirmed him dead.
According to Habib, the development triggered tension between youths from Bundot and Bayan Fada communities, with youths from Bundot allegedly mobilising for a reprisal attack.
“Armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, the youths reportedly moved into Bayan Fada, leading to a violent confrontation at an open space near the Dass Central Motor Park.
“During the clash, another man identified as 38-year-old Mukhtar Jibrin, of Bayan Fada, was allegedly stabbed.
“He was taken to the General Hospital, Dass, and subsequently referred to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, where he was also confirmed dead”.
The police said their personnel, supported by other security operatives, quickly moved in to contain the violence, restore calm and prevent further escalation.
Seven suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incidents. They include Umar Abubakar, 20, described by the police as a principal suspect; Blus Garba, 19; Adamu Muhammad, 17; Hussaini Danjuma, 17; Hassan Danjuma, 17; Shuaibu Sani, 17; and Aliyu Abdullahi, 18.
Habib assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track down other suspects who allegedly participated in the attacks and are currently at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Aliyu Sani-Omolori, condemned the killings and ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the incidents.
Sani-Omolori appealed to residents of Dass to remain calm and law-abiding, warning them against resorting to violence or taking the law into their own hands.
He assured the affected communities that the police would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and ensure that those found culpable face justice.