Tension mounts as youth clash with Hausa community in Makurdi

The Hausa community and some youth in the Wadata area of Makurdi, Benue state, clashed on Saturday.

An eyewitness told TheCable that the violence started after a Fulani man was hit and killed by a vehicle.

Some youth were reportedly injured in the ensuing clash but TheCable saw one(pictured) being taken to the hospital for treatment.

“Earlier today, a Fulani man was hit dead by a car in Wuruku market. Before we know it, hundreds of Hausa people all came out with their weapons and the whole area is now upside down,” the witness told TheCable.

There is a high concentration of Hausa and Fulani in the Wadata area of Makurdi. The main abattoir in the city is located in the area.

Businesses and markets in the area have closed as a result of the violence while cars are being vandalised by irate youth.

“We have to defend ourselves,” a youth scouring for weapons told TheCable.

Some armed mobile policemen recently arrived the area.

Following the mass burial of farmers killed by herdsmen on January 1, there has been increased tension between the locals and the Hausa community in Benue.