Two persons have been confirmed dead while seven others are currently receiving treatment as Fulani and vigilantes at the Beji weekly market in the Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State clashed.
NIGERIACRIME learnt that the wounded victims were rushed to Primary Healthcare Centre in Beji after the clash that happened around 5 pm.
According to a source, the market was at its full capacity when the ugly incident occurred.
Beji is an agrarian community with a national livestock and grain market about 30 km from Minna, the capital of Niger State.
The development was confirmed by the Assistant Head of Medical Services at Beji Primary Healthcare Centre, Aliyu Yusuf.
The medical practitioner said nine victims were brought to the hospital with various degrees of bullet wounds.
He explained, “Two were confirmed dead, while the remaining seven victims, all Fulani, were responding to treatment.”
Umar Rabe Sands, the Niger State Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, also confirmed the incident, warning against any form of revenge.
He added that the state government would engage all stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the rift between Fulani and Gbagyi farmers.
He also cautioned both parties to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that there are various mechanisms for dispute resolution without resorting to violence to ensure continuous peaceful coexistence among the people.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Abiodun Alamutu, has taken measures to stem the increasing number of road crashes in Ogun State, especially among drivers of articulated vehicles and commercial buses.
According to the Ogun police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, the CP, after careful analysis of the situation, directed the Area Commander in Sagamu and other security agencies to collaborate with stakeholders in the implementation of safety sign boards along highways.
These sign boards, according to him, “will serve to alert motorists about recommended speed limits and expected kilometer-per-hour values, promoting safer driving practices.”
As the yuletide approaches, Alamutu urged all road users, especially those travelling on the Lagos-Ibadan highway, to exercise caution and avoid engaging in reckless driving behaviours that pose risks to themselves and others.
Alamutu advised them to avoid speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, overloading, use of faulty tyres or lights, driving against traffic, not wearing seat belts, and participating in speed competitions.
These actions, he said, constitute road traffic violations and can lead to avoidable fatalities.
In order to enforce compliance, the CP urged motorists to abide by road signs, to cooperate with the Motor Traffic Department of the police, and follow their instructions when on the road.
Additionally, motorists who transport fuel or engage in activities that involve burning bushes for games are advised to exercise extra caution to prevent uncontrollable fire incidents that could endanger lives and properties.