By Abdulahi Mohammed,
Minna
No fewer than five people have been reported dead Niger State, as two Islamic groups – Darikah and Izala – clashed in Munya Local Government Area at the weekend.
Besides, properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in the crisis, while several people, who were wounded had been hospitalised.
Those injured in the clash were said to have been treated for gun shot wounds in private hospitals in Sarkin-Pawa headquarters of Munya council and at government hospital in Gwada town, some kilometers to Guni town where the crisis first broke out.
Darikah and Izala Islamic sects were said to have disagreed over the timing for the Jumat prayer and decision of the Izala to have a separate prayer ground in the community.
Sources said that dangerous weapons including sophisticated rifles and Dane guns were freely used in the fight, while many suspects had been arrested by the police in Sarkin-Pawa and transfered to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Niger State Police Headquarters in Minna.
A member of the House of Assembly from the area, Mr. Paul John Bahago, and the Commissioner nominee from the area, Alhjai Danjuma Salau, visited and commiserated with the injured while also praying Allah to grant those who lost their lives eternal rest.
Bahago, who described the incident as “sad and unfortunate,” urged the people to live in peace with one another, stressing, “There is no reason fighting over religion which should be a thing of the heart.”
Efforts to confirm from the crisis from state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mohammed Abubakar, proved abortive as he did not pick his cell phones when he was called several times and also failed to reply text messages sent to him.
