BY SEGUN ADEBOWALE
Four persons were killed in the skirmishes at Lamba and seven persons lost their lives in Bara-Kuta on
Friday and Sunday, while several others sustained various degrees of injuries in the clashes Governor Sani Bello of Niger State has said masterminds of the violent clashes between the
Gbagyis and Fulanis in Lamba and Bara-Kuta in Paikoro and Bosso Local Government Areas of the State would be brought to book.
Four persons were killed in the skirmishes at Lamba and seven persons lost their lives in Bara- Kuta on Friday and Sunday, while several others
sustained various degrees of injuries in the clashes.
Bello, who visited the two communities on Monday, said government would no longer condone any act of lawlessness in the state.
He said: “Nobody has the power or right to take the life of others.
“These senseless and unwarranted killings cannot and will not be condoned.
“You cannot just take machete and kill somebody because of disagreement.
“There are laws and nobody can claim to be above the law.
“I have instructed the chairmen of the affected councils, Commissioner of Police and my Special Adviser on Security to fish out the masterminds of
the two clashes as well as their accomplices.
“I have also directed for comprehensive
investigations into the incidents with a view tonprosecuting and bringing the culprits to book.
“We are determined to bring an end to this barbaric
act.
The Police and other security agencies should ensure that we get to the root of these sad events, prosecute and punish those found culpable.”
The governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency and security personnel to provide adequate protection for the survivors.
Bello assured residents of the affected
communities of their safety and that they should go about their lawful duties, adding that government would ensure adequate security of lives and
property.
He said: “I sympathise with you over the
unfortunate incident here at Lamba.
“Now that peace has returned, I implore you all to go about your duties and businesses without fear.
“Government is on top of the situation and we shall ensure the security of our people and their property, including their farms and animals.”
Meanwhile, John Maikarfi, the Chairman of Paikoro Local Government Area, said a committee had been set up to investigate the cause of the fracas
at Lamba and is expected to submit its report by Wednesday.
