Houses, Properties Set Ablaze as Youths Attack Yoruba Community in Kaduna

In a violent outbreak that began on Sunday, September 29, and continued until Tuesday, October 1, several homes and properties were destroyed in the Yoruba community of Jushi Waje, Sabon Gari, Zaria, Kaduna State. The attack, reportedly carried out by irate youths, has left residents in shock and fear.

According to Sahara Reporters, the conflict started when a Hausa boy allegedly entered a Yoruba woman’s house and was caught. He was subsequently beaten by both Hausa and Yoruba residents. The situation escalated after the boy was taken to the local leader, the Sarkin’s palace, where he died. The boy, before passing, had requested water, which was given to him by a Hausa woman, witnesses told Sahara Reporters.

By Sunday evening, Hausa youths began retaliating, targeting Yoruba homes and properties. “The youths mobilized by 7 p.m., burning down houses and cars. They destroyed all my windows, but thankfully, I survived. I’m currently out of my home, and we need your prayers,” one affected resident shared with Sahara Reporters.

The violence continued into Tuesday morning, with renewed attacks on people from different ethnic groups. Another resident disclosed that the attackers returned to destroy more properties. “Most of these thieves are linked to Sarkin’s house. When caught in the past, they were released immediately. Yesterday, a Hausa boy even stabbed the owner of Adumas School during the chaos. Although he was handed over to the police, he was released shortly after,” the resident claimed.

Despite the escalating violence, efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages to his line went unanswered, according to Sahara Reporters.

The ongoing unrest has displaced many residents, who now live in fear of further attacks.