By Ayodele Oni
Yauri Local Government Council in Kebbi State has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew following a violent clash between rival gold miners in Garin Katta community, which left several people feared dead and property destroyed.
The crisis, which began on Saturday, reportedly started after a miner was killed during a dispute over gold.
Relatives of the deceased were said to have launched a reprisal the next day, triggering a wave of attacks that quickly spiralled out of control.
Eyewitnesses said shops were vandalised and motorcycles set ablaze as residents fled for safety.
Security operatives have so far recovered the body of one victim, who has since been buried according to Islamic rites.
Announcing the curfew, Chairman of Yauri council, Abubakar Shuaibu, said the restriction, effective between 10 pm and 7 am, was aimed at curbing further violence and restoring calm.
Shuaibu disclosed that he had alerted the Police Area Commander and officials of the Department of State Services when the crisis first broke out.
He added that efforts were made to identify and hand over the killers, but some miners resisted, escalating the situation.
“Conflict is harmful, and God is displeased with those who instigate it. That is why we immediately sought military support and deployed security forces to safeguard lives and property,” the chairman said.
He further revealed that the violence flared again shortly after the victim’s burial when angry miners stormed parts of the town, attacking residents indiscriminately.
Security agencies have since intensified patrols in Yauri to enforce the curfew and restore calm.
Yauri, Shanga and Ngaski local governments located at the southern part of Kebbi are the major mining areas in the state.
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