Niger Delta
Hausa Traders, Fulani Herdsmen Clash In Delta
Uneasy calm has engulfed residents of Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State as Hausa traders and Fulani herders in the area on Monday engaged in a bloody clash at the popular Hausa Market along Benin-Warri road, Amukpe.
Witnesses said that no fewer than 10 persons sustained various degrees of injuries in the ensuing pandemonium and were rushed to different hospitals in the area.
Some wooden shops at the market were also destroyed in the clash, which resulted into a massive gridlock, with many motorists hurriedly abandoning their vehicles by the roadside and fleeing for safety.
It was gathered that the two warring groups started engaging in a superiority battle last Sunday night after a Hausa boy from one of the Northern states was reportedly stabbed by a Fulani herder in the bush, and he rushed home with injuries.
Angered by the stabbing, the Hausas in the market, especially those of Nasarawa origin, were said to have hurriedly mobilised and attacked the Fulani herdsmen settlements in the bush.
But the Fulanis reportedly fought back, allegedly with dangerous weapons, a development which resulted in the battle that got even people running for their lives.
Meanwhile, Police operatives from the Sapele Police Station, led by CSP Harrison Nwaboisi, have waded into the incident by mobilising security to strategic locations with a view to dousing the tension and preventing further damage.
Commenting on the incident, a trader at the market, Ibrahim Umoru, told journalists that the crisis erupted after an Hausa boy was stabbed by a Fulani man because he was allegedly found around their camp.
“Maybe he (Fulani man) thought the boy came to steal from them. He did not ask why he (the boy) was there. The matter came to us this morning and we can’t just sit there and watch them attack us every time. We want to tell them that we are not fools,” the Hausa trader stated.
A Fulani herdsman who spoke with newsmen on the condition of anonymity blamed the Hausas for the clash, but did not elaborate.
The acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edafe Bright, could not be reached for comment on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Akpan, who died on August 2 at the age of 63, was buried after a funeral and thanksgiving service attended by journalists, family members, friends and community leaders.
The Tide’s source reports that the service was held at the community playground in Ekpeneobo, Esit Eket Local Government Area.
The State Governor, Bassey Otu, described the deceased as a thoroughbred professional whose contributions to journalism and the state would remain indelible.
Otu, represented by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Nsa Gill, spoke at the funeral, highlighting Akpan’s years of professional service in Cross River.
He said the journalist, an indigene of Akwa Ibom, had lived and worked in Cross River for years, making Calabar his second home.
The Governor’ commended Akpan for upholding journalistic ethics and maintaining balance, objectivity and fairness when sensationalism was becoming increasingly common.
“His reports gave voice to the Niger Delta, projected our developmental challenges and celebrated our people.
“Cross River has lost a friend, a bridge between the state and the media, and a patriotic citizen who used his pen to promote good governance”, he said.
Otu urged the bereaved family to alists. draw comfort from Akpan’s enduring legacy, which he said would continue to inspire younger journalists.
He also prayed for strength for the family to bear the loss.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Alhassan Abdullahi, described Akpan’s death as a painful loss to the journalism profession.
Abdullahi, represented by the Chairman of the NUJ Cross River Council, Mr. Archibong Bassey, said the deceased was a dedicated professional committed to information dissemination.
He said Akpan’s dedication to keeping the public informed remained an important part of his professional legacy.
In his sermon, Pastor Tunde Olaghende of Living Faith e positive legacies.
Church, Akwa Ibom State, urged Christians to live meaningful lives and leave positive legacies.
Olaghende encouraged people to be remembered for their good deeds, stressing the importance of making meaningful contributions to society while alive.
A former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, also described Akpan as a balanced reporter whose objectivity earned him widespread respect.
Some of Akpan’s former secondary school classmates recalled their lifelong friendship with him, praising his humility and professionalism.
Akpan retired from The Guardian Newspapers before establishing his own media platform. He was based in Calabar until his death.
The council chairman, Hon. Elder Prince Godwin Ogorugba, announced the curfew in a statement issued on Friday after a security council meeting.
The development follows recent violent clashes between rival cult groups in the area, which have resulted in renewed security concerns.
Ogorugba said the decision was necessary to restore peace and order, protect lives and property, and enable security agencies to conduct thorough operations to bring the situation under control.
According to the statement, all motorists, commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, and residents of Ozoro and its environs are directed to remain indoors between 7:00pm and 6:00am daily, effective Friday, October 23, 2026, until further notice.
The council chairman appealed to residents to comply with the curfew and provide security agencies with useful information about suspected security threats.
He also directed security agencies to ensure that those involved in the cult-related violence are apprehended and brought to justice.
Ogorugba assured residents that the council was working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
“I am using this opportunity to appeal for calm and I urge parents and community leaders to caution their wards to desist from all forms of criminality and cult-related activities”, he said.
The governor’s approval is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Asaba, Dr. Kingsley Emu, Friday.
Ehimen’s appointment was sequel to the retirement of Mrs. Minimim Oseji, who would be out of the State Civil Service on October 28.
Until her appointment, Ehimen was the Permanent Secretary attached to the Office of the Head of Service, and was previously Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Renewal.
According to Emu, the swearing-in of the new HoS will be announced in due course.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, during his post State Executive Council meeting briefing, conveyed Oborevwori’s appreciation for the outgoing HoS, Dr. Minimim Oseji.
According to Aniagwu, the Governor, who presided over the council meeting, announced a new succession policy for the office of the HoS.
He said the policy was aimed at repositioning and to bring about institutional understanding and experience in the appointment of HoS.
“Oborevwori lauded the outgoing HoS for her reforms and tenacity.
“Henceforth, whoever will succeed the HoS must spend a minimum of six months in that office as Permanent Secretary (PS) to understudy the processes and procedures in the management of the career of public officers”, Aniagwu said.
The outgoing HoS succeeded Mr. Reginald Bayoko, who occupied the office for almost nine years.
Oseji was sworn-in as the 12th Head of Service on April 10, 2025.
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