There are concerns following a clash on Tuesday night between residents of Byazhin community in Kubwa, Abuja, and local scavengers known as “baban bola,” with fears that three individuals may have lost their lives.
The altercation reportedly began when a scavenger attempted to steal a woman’s pot of soup, prompting passers-by to intervene. In the ensuing conflict and retaliation, two women and a young boy were allegedly killed.
Despite attempts to restore calm, the scavenger reportedly rallied fellow scavengers and hoodlums armed with cudgels, machetes, and clubs, launching random attacks on residents. One woman, whose pot of soup was stolen earlier, was among those killed.
Eyewitness Jessica Adams stated that the community has been in turmoil since the incident, with three reported fatalities and several injuries. Although the police intervened to restore order, no arrests were made. Increased police patrols in the Byazhin area of Kubwa aim to prevent further violence.
Residents of Kubwa have long voiced grievances against scavengers, citing theft and violent attacks as ongoing issues.
