Havoc as Residents Clash Over Gold Mine in Kebbi, One Feared Dead

Havoc as Residents Clash Over Gold Mine in Kebbi, One Feared Dead

Yauri, Kebbi State – Tension gripped Garin Katta community in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State after a violent clash among gold miners left one person dead and several properties destroyed.

According to eyewitnesses, the conflict erupted late Saturday following a heated dispute over gold mining rights. The altercation reportedly turned deadly when a miner was killed during the fracas. In retaliation, relatives of the deceased launched a counterattack the following day, leading to widespread violence in the community.

Residents Clash Over Gold Mine in Kebbi

Shops were vandalised, motorcycles were set ablaze, and residents fled their homes for safety as the crisis escalated. The Yauri Local Government Council swiftly imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew, restricting movement between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. to prevent further bloodshed.

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Chairman of Yauri Local Government Area, Abubakar Shuaibu, confirmed the incident, saying security agencies, including the police and Department of State Services (DSS), had been alerted. He added that military reinforcement had been requested to restore peace and protect innocent residents from being caught in the violence.

“The situation was already spiralling out of control when we imposed the curfew. We have informed security agencies and are working closely with them to ensure peace returns to Garin Katta,” Shuaibu said.

Police authorities confirmed that the body of the deceased had been recovered and buried according to Islamic rites. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing.

The incident has sparked fear of renewed clashes, with community leaders appealing for calm and urging warring factions to embrace dialogue.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, gunmen attacked a police checkpoint in Ilafin community, Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing two police officers. Authorities say investigations are underway to track down the perpetrators.

The Kebbi State Government is expected to convene an emergency security meeting in the coming days to address the rising wave of violence linked to illegal mining activities.