By Sabiu Abdullahi
No fewer than 10 people sustained injuries after a violent clash between residents of Chirif Magaji and Chirif Dikko communities in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State over a disputed piece of farmland.
Reports indicated that both communities have been locked in a disagreement over the ownership and use of the land for almost three years. The dispute escalated on Tuesday and resulted in violence.
A security source told journalists that the conflict centred on which of the two communities had the right to cultivate the farmland. The source explained that authorities had previously stepped in and brokered an agreement that allowed both sides to use the land.
“Earlier today, we received a distress call reporting a violent confrontation between the communities. Security personnel were immediately deployed to restore order,” the source said.
According to the source, the trouble began when members of one community moved to clear the farmland. They were allegedly attacked by rivals armed with Dane guns and machetes.
“The attackers opened fire, injuring six people. Upon learning of the incident, members of the affected community mobilised and launched a reprisal attack, during which four people from the opposing community were injured,” the source added.
All those injured were taken to medical facilities for treatment. The source dismissed claims circulating on social media that bandits were responsible for the incident, stressing that the violence stemmed from the prolonged land dispute.
As of the time of filing this report, no fatalities had been recorded.
Sources said some victims suffered gunshot injuries, while others sustained machete wounds. Several of the injured are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Rabah. Those with more serious injuries have been transferred to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital for further care.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Rabah Local Government Area, Yusuf Muhammad Rabah, said security efforts had helped restore calm in the affected communities.
“It is true that the incident occurred, but we have been able to calm the situation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said he had not yet received an official briefing on the matter.
