communal clash over the weekend erupted in Gwako Village in Gwagwalada Local Government Area of the Federal Capital Territory between Fulani and Gwari residents claiming two lives and displacing 1,500 people from 27 communities.

The prompt intervention of the security agencies including personnel from the police, Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps and military had helped to curtail the escalation of the crisis which started Saturday as a result of encroachment of a herd of cattle into farmlands in the area.

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammad Sani-Sidi who commended the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Muhammad for the promptness of his agencies and his physical presence at the scene, appealed to the warring parties to live peacefully with one another and eschew any form of violence as we enter the New Year.

Sani-Sidi who disclosed that two lives were lost and 27 communities affected, said that over 1500 internally displaced people are currently squatting in a temporary camp on the permanent campus of the University of Abuja in Gwagwalada area.

The Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Muhammad who led other government agencies to assess the impact of the incidence appealed to the communities to remain calm as the government would ensure that the causes of the crisis would soon be addressed so that they could return to their homes.

The Minister had asked NEMA to provide more amenities to the victims in the camp as he also constituted an emergency team for conflict resolution and relief distribution to the affected communities which had membership from response agencies and Urban Affairs Department of FCTA.

Minister Visits Gwako Village

Meanwhile the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senator Bala Mohammed today (Sunday) visited the site of the Fulani/Gwari incident which led to the death of two in a village in Gwawalada Area Council.

The incident which took place last night led to about 200 persons to seek refuge at the University of Abuja Permanent Site.

Commiserating with the internally displaced at the University Site, Sen. Bala Mohammed said his Administration was concerned about the incident because the history of relationship between the Gwaris and Fulanis has been a very cordial one.

He urged them to take heart and not take any action that will be seen as a reprisal attack.

The Minister said President Goodluck Jonathan who has already been briefed about the incident enjoins both communities to live in peace and harmony with one another. He announced that relief materials including food, water, mattresses and blankets have already been sent to them and they will continue to be looked after by FCT Administration and NEMA.

Senator Bala Mohammed who visited the incident site with FCT Police Commissioner and Commander of the Guards Brigade, and other top FCT Administration officials assured the displaced communities that all measures will be taken to ensure the security and protection of lives and property.

On his part, the Sarkin Fulani, who spoke on behalf of the Fulani Communities now residing temporarily at the University Campus, thanked the FCT Minister and President Goodluck Jonathan for coming to their rescue.

He assured them that they will continue to live in harmony with the Gwaris in the FCT, while urging the government to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.

Meanwhile the FCT Minister has called for a meeting tomorrow (Monday), which he will be chairing at Gwagwalada Area Council.

The meeting will held with leaders of both Fulani and Gwari communities, the Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, traditional rulers of Gwagwalada with a view to making sure that peace between the communities is maintained, as well as finding lasting solution to such mishaps.


http://www.channelstv.com/home/2012/12/30/two-killed-1500-persons-displaced-in-abuja-communal-clash/

1st to cap..

Sunday Sunday Kinda news finally surfaces. . . I am glad BH did not make it happen this time around.

Nawa o, i no see BH name for this news o,..Make una go back and check well o

Wil dis eva stop??