HOUSES BURNT, COMMUNITY LEADERS INJURED AS YOUTH CLASHES ROCK KADUNA SETTLEMENT. (PHOTO).

 Houses Burnt, Community Leaders Injured As Youth Clashes Rock Kaduna Settlement

At least two houses were set ablaze and several prominent community leaders injured following violent clashes between youths in Mishigi settlement, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Residents told Daily Trust that the violence, which began on Sunday and continued into Monday morning, was sparked by a dispute over sand-mining activities.

A local leader, Malam Ahmad Mishigi, explained that the conflict was mainly between youths from Unguwar Mishigi and Unguwar Kudu, originating from disagreements at sand-mining sites.

“The conflict started as a dispute over livelihoods at the sand-mining area. Although there were previous disagreements last year, tensions have now escalated into full-blown clashes between the neighborhoods,” he said.

Ahmad added that the situation intensified on Sunday, forcing residents to flee.

“I was advised not to return home because fighting had broken out. The violence resumed early Monday around 5:00 am after the first call to prayer, leading to two houses being set on fire, one completely destroyed and another partially damaged,” he said.

Attempts by community elders to mediate the dispute also ended in injuries. 

The Chief Muezzin of Mishigi, Malam Adamu, was hurt while trying to separate the fighting youths. Another leader, Malam Nasiru Ibrahim, was also injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.

“There is still tension in the area. Many residents are leaving their homes for safety,” Ahmad added.

Security forces were deployed to the community, with police using teargas to disperse the crowds. Residents have called for a stronger security presence, including a permanent police station, to prevent further violence.

Baba Usman, a resident of a neighboring area, urged dialogue: “The youths and elders of the two communities need to sit down and find a lasting solution. Conflicts like this should not continue.”

Confirming the incident, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Mansir Hassan stated that the situation is under control, although he declined to comment on the number of houses burnt.