Hausa and Igbo traders at the Timber Market at Dei-Dei, a suburb of Abuja, on Monday engaged in a bloody clash that left five people dead.
According to a witness, the clash was precipitated by the knocking down of a woman by a commercial motorcyclist.
“Some people gathered when the motorcycle rider knocked down the woman. They really were trying to help the woman. An argument ensued between the rider and those who had gathered over whose fault it was that the accident occurred,” the witness narrated.
“The man blamed the woman, but the interveners tried to restrain him so that he could at least help in footing her medical bills. The okada man brought out a dagger and stabbed five of those trying to restrain him.
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“One of those he stabbed died immediately. The deceased was Igbo. On the spur of the moment, Igbo traders descended on the motorcyclist who I suppose is Hausa. The Hausa traders came for his rescue and a fight started. At least 17 vehicles were destroyed. Five people were killed, and many were injured.”
Security operatives cordoned off the area and restored peace.
FCT police command public relations officer, DSP Altine Daniel, was contacted on the phone, but the calls were not answered.
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