Hausas and Traders Clash in Asaba Leaves Many Injured and Properties Destroyed

No fewer than 10 persons were reportedly injured while property worth millions of naira were destroyed as hell was let loose when traders clashed with Hausa community on Thursday in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

It was gathered that trouble started in the Hausa Community along Asaba-Benin Expressway popularly known as 'Trailers Parking Quarters', with some Dangote Trailer Drivers and some traders over parking space, thereby resulting to uncontrollable verbal crossfire, leaving the trailer drivers and the traders in a free for all. 

Another eyewitness account stated that the fracas was as a result of encroachment in a portion of the traders by the lorry drivers.

The State's Police spokesperson, Mrs Celestina Kalu, confirmed the incident and disclosed that six people were arrested in the process. According to Kalu, “Our policemen have arrested the situation and six persons arrested are currently helping the police for investigation”.

It was gathered while the fight lasted, the angry Hausa trailer drivers allegedly pounced on one of the traders, beating and inflicted body injuries on her.

Soji Bukola, an eyewitness, said one of the traders' wife had asked the trailer drivers to park their trucks properly, following which argument ensued and attracted other Hausa sympathisers who allegedly trooped to the scene in solidarity to join in the fight.

The investigation revealed that there has been 'bad blood' between the traders and the Hausa trailer drivers over alleged reckless parking following which in most cases poses threats to the traders’ customers.

Miss Ngozi Ogechi, who spoke to a correspondent, said the rampaging Hausa people and the trailer drivers allegedly destroyed properties of the traders during the fight.