Nanumba North MUSEC engages communities to restore calm

Nanumba North Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) in the Northern Region has convened a crucial meeting with local communities to de-escalate tensions and restore peace between the residents of Sabonjida and Afayili and the herdsmen.

The volatile situation, which nearly spiralled into a broader conflict, necessitated urgent intervention from authorities.

During the meeting, police authorities urged community members to follow due process in addressing grievances and to avoid taking the law into their own hands. However, residents of Sabonjida accused the police of bias, alleging that they were siding with the herdsmen.

The unrest stems from an incident on March 18, when reports emerged that Fulbe settlements in Sabonjida had been raided. In the attack, animals were killed, and properties were destroyed. This act was allegedly in retaliation for a recent armed robbery in the area that resulted in the death of one person.

Initial reports suggested that the perpetrators of the robbery were Fulbes, while the victim was a Konkomba. In response, residents of the surrounding communities launched retaliatory attacks, killing livestock and setting fire to Fulbe-owned properties. The violence also led to the killing of one individual, identified as Alhaji.

In a swift response, the police intervened and arrested two individuals found in possession of firearms, ammunition, and carcasses of animals. Following the incident, many Fulbes fled the area, abandoning their livestock.

On Friday, March 21, members of the Nanumba North MUSEC visited the affected communities, calling for calm and urging all parties to embrace peace.

The herdsmen, through their spokesperson, Mohammed Yahaya, expressed their willingness to return temporarily to search for their missing livestock, stating that over 400 cattle were unaccounted for. He assured the community that once their animals were recovered, they would leave the area.

“Let us remember that we are human beings. Let us come together and handle this situation as one family because we all share the same humanity,” Yahaya appealed.

His message was well received in Afayili, where community members pledged to maintain peace, describing the incident as a misunderstanding. A former assemblyman, speaking on behalf of the community, welcomed the assurance of peace and promised cooperation.

The Assemblyman for the Sabonjida Electoral Area echoed similar sentiments but insisted that lasting peace would be more achievable if the herdsmen left the area permanently.

However, tensions flared when the MUSEC team proceeded to Sabonjida. Residents remained steadfast in their belief that the herdsmen were responsible for insecurity in the area and demanded the release of those arrested by the police. Attempts by law enforcement officials to clarify that not all Fulbes should be held accountable for the actions of a few were met with resistance. The community perceived this as a defence of the herdsmen, further agitating the situation.

Efforts by Channel One News to gather comments from Sabonjida residents were unsuccessful, as they declined to speak. Police officials also refused to comment on the matter.

While Afayili appears ready for peace, the deep-seated grievances in Sabonjida highlight the need for continued dialogue and reconciliation efforts to restore lasting calm in the area.

—citinewsroom