Nigeria: Two Killed in Katsina As Dispute Over Garri Escalates Into Mob Violence

The Katsina State Police Command said it has arrested four suspects in connection with the mob killing.

Two men were killed in Kokami Village, Danja Local Government Area of Katsina State, after a dispute over the purchase of garri and sachet water escalated into deadly violence.

The incident, which occurred on 4 April, involved Ibrahim Auwal and a trader identified as Joe, also known as K.C. Jones.

Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn

The disagreement turned violent when Mr Jones allegedly stabbed Mr Auwal during an altercation at his shop. Mr Auwal was rushed to Abdullahi Makama Hospital in Dabai, where he was later confirmed dead.

His death triggered a reprisal attack, as some youths in the community reportedly mobilised, attacked Mr Jones, killed him, and set his body ablaze along a nearby highway.

Police arrest suspects

The Katsina State Police Command said it has arrested four suspects in connection with the mob killing.

In a statement on Sunday, the police spokesperson, Abubakar Aliyu, said officers responded promptly to the incident and restored calm in the area.

"The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing," he said.

The Commissioner of Police, Ali Fage, condemned the violence and urged residents to report disputes to security agencies rather than resort to mob action.

Government condemns killings

The Katsina State Government also condemned the incident, describing it as "deeply unfortunate and unacceptable."

In a statement, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu'azu, said the violence stemmed from a personal dispute and should not be misinterpreted as an ethnic or religious conflict.

"No individual has the right to take the law into their own hands. All those involved will be brought to justice," he said.

Mr Mu'azu added that security personnel have been deployed to the area, with joint patrols ongoing to maintain peace.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, according to the statement, commiserated with the families of the victims and urged community leaders to promote peace.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.