Argungu communal clash leaves three dead as Kebbi governor urges calm, deploys security and vows justice for victims

Governor Nasir Idris has called for calm in Alwasa community, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, following a deadly communal clash that left three people dead and displaced several residents.

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The governor made the appeal on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected area, warning that those responsible for the violence would face decisive legal action.

Idris said the Argungu communal clash would be thoroughly investigated, stressing that perpetrators would be arrested and prosecuted regardless of ethnic background or social status.

“As a government, we will not tolerate lawlessness. Anyone found to have taken part in these killings will be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted,” he said.

The violence reportedly began on Monday evening after a misunderstanding involving Fulani youths riding motorcycles in a manner that angered local residents.

The situation escalated when a Hausa resident was allegedly stabbed and later died.

In a swift and tragic retaliation, some youths reportedly attacked nearby Fulani settlements, killing two individuals said to be unconnected to the initial incident, while others fled their homes in fear.

Describing the development as deeply troubling, Idris said the incident was alien to the long-standing peaceful coexistence within the Argungu Emirate.

“This incident is completely alien to the harmony we have enjoyed for decades. We must not allow it to divide us,” he added.

Local authorities confirmed that security personnel have been deployed to restore order and prevent further escalation, as tensions remain high in the agrarian community.

Chairman of Argungu Local Government Area, Sani Aliyu Gulma, said the crisis deteriorated rapidly after the initial stabbing, noting that innocent people became victims of retaliatory attacks.

Residents reported that many families have fled their homes amid fears of further violence, raising concerns about a potential cycle of reprisals if swift intervention is not sustained.

The governor directed security agencies to intensify investigations, track down those responsible, and ensure the safe return of displaced persons. He also urged traditional rulers and community leaders to prioritise dialogue and restraint.

Communal tensions between farming and herding groups have periodically surfaced in parts of northern Nigeria, often linked to disputes over land use and local grievances.

Observers say the latest clash underscores the fragile balance in rural communities and the urgent need for proactive conflict resolution.

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Authorities, however, maintain that the situation is under control as efforts continue to restore normalcy.