SAPELE/Nigeria: A volatile confrontation between Itsekiri and Hausa youths unfolded in the Ogun-Aja (Etamua) area of Sapele on Saturday night, resulting in three individuals sustaining severe injuries and widespread destruction of tricycles and motorcycles.
The genesis of the conflict is still under investigation, with conflicting accounts emerging. One narrative suggests the spark occurred when an Arewa youth discovered his partner with another man in the urban area, while another account points to a collision between a motorcycle rider of Northern extraction and the car of an Itsekiri individual on their way to a burial ceremony.
According to reports, Northern youths reportedly mobilized and attacked several Itsekiri youths, resulting in the stabbing of two individuals. The sudden outbreak of violence prompted traders, passersby, and commuters to flee for their safety.
As rumors circulated regarding the alleged death of an Itsekiri individual, the situation escalated into a full-scale fight during the night. Numerous shops were looted, and three tricycles and two motorcycles were set ablaze, with another tricycle and motorbike destroyed. Three individuals suffered severe, life-threatening injuries.
An anonymous eyewitness confirmed the incident, revealing that the Hausa youths escalated the situation by launching an attack on the Itsekiri boys at Mission Road, by Ogodo Road junction, resulting in the stabbing of two Itsekiri boys. “The Itsekiri boys appeared to have moved on from the initial clash when the Hausa boys launched another attack, exacerbating the crisis,” the eyewitness stated.
At the time of this report, the injured individuals are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. Mrs. Juan Akpome, another witness who observed the situation around 5 p.m. on Saturday, recalled hearing people shouting about stabbings and witnessing panicked individuals running for safety.
Swift intervention by the police, led by Divisional Police Officer Harrison Nwabuisi, and other security agencies forced the troublemakers into hiding. Consequently, affected areas, including parts of MacPherson Road, Hausa Road, Itsekiri Road, and Boyo Road to Mission Road, were closed. Police and security personnel conducted patrols in the troubled spots, while shops began closing as early as 7 p.m.
While the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bright Edafe, was unreachable for comment at the time of this report, a police source disclosed that no lives were lost, contradicting reports of an Itsekiri fatality. However, the police have made several arrests in connection with the crisis.
