Two Killed, Others Injured in Communal Clash During Burial Ceremony in Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

Two people have been killed and several others injured following a communal clash between residents of Azayagun and Unguwan Dikko villages in Sullubawa, Warari District of Rijau Local Government Area, Niger State.

The violence reportedly erupted during a burial ceremony, when residents of the two neighbouring Kambari communities engaged in a confrontation for reasons that are yet to be established.

The deceased were identified as Buni Galadima and Sambo Tsinkayi, both male residents of Azayagun community.

Police sources said the incident was reported to the Divisional Police Officer in Rijau through the Officer-in-Charge of Warari Outstation, following which a joint team of police operatives and local vigilantes mobilised to the affected communities.

The security team brought the situation under control, while the bodies of the deceased and other injured persons were evacuated to Warari Clinic for post-mortem examination and medical treatment.

The police said normalcy had been restored in the affected communities, adding that preliminary investigations had commenced to determine the cause of the clash.
Both communities were also reported to have been involved in similar incidents in the past.