FCT Imposes Curfew After Bwari Violence

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has imposed a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew on Bwari Township, Abuja.

This follows the violence that occurred in the town on Monday during which eyewitnesses said several shops were burnt down at one of the major markets.

While the actual reason behind the violence is yet to be ascertained, a witness said the incident was a fallout of a reported clash between some youths of two ethnic groups – the Gbagyis (who are said to be the original inhabitants of the town) and Hausas in the community.

According to a source, a Gbagyi youth was allegedly injured and killed by a member of the other group on Sunday night.

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A local resident in the area said tension had been existing between the Gbagyis and the Hausas in the community for some time.

The man, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that the recent clash occurred following the reported leadership battle between the traditional rulers of both ethnic groups.

He said the Gbagyis allegedly stormed the market on Christmas day and set it ablaze in what appeared to be a retaliation for the purported death of one of them.

Public Relations Officer for the FCT Police Command, Manzah Anjuguri, who confirmed the incident to Channels Television on Monday, said the details of the clash remain sketchy but investigation is ongoing to ascertain the root cause.