FCT: Tension in Ushafa as Army move to quell riot over killing of local youth

ABUJA: A heavy atmosphere of fear and uncertainty has gripped the Ushafa community in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, following a violent altercation that reportedly left a young man dead.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, has sparked a significant breakdown of law and order, forcing residents and business owners to flee the area.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the crisis began at a “Brukutu” (local brew) joint, where an argument between two individuals escalated into a fatal fight.

While initial reports from the scene indicated a clash between a native and another man, other residents claimed the fatality resulted from a minor argument involving a woman.

The victim, identified as a local youth, was reportedly killed during the heat of the commotion.

The news of the death triggered immediate unrest, with groups of youths engaging in retaliatory actions and causing a widespread “serious fight and commotion” within the community.

The chaos has seen residents and traders hurriedly packing their belongings and running toward the SCC junction to escape the violence.

“Everyone is now running towards SCC junction; they say the fight is coming down here. Everyone is running and packing their loads,” an eyewitness, who simply have her name as Suzzy, reported from her hiding spot.

In a swift response to prevent the situation from spiraling into a full-scale ethnic or communal crisis, military personnel have been deployed to the area.

Soldiers have reportedly blocked the popular Okada junction and stationed themselves at the SCC junction to restore calm and restrict movement.

The Military are on ground to curtail the crisis!” another resident confirmed, noting that the presence of the armed forces has helped to temporarily stabilize the primary flashpoints, though tension remains high as people continue to observe the situation from their homes.

Culled from vanguard