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A study of violence-related deaths in Gudu, Gwadabawa and Illela LGAs of Sokoto State, and Sakaba LGA of Kebbi State (2006-2014)
p. 195-216
Résumé
This paper highlights the outcome of a study on fatal incidents in four LGAs of north-western Nigeria: Gwadabawa, Gudu, and Ilella LGAs in Sokoto State, and Sakaba LGA in Kebbi State. Data obtained from 1,083 questionnaires revealed that, since 2006, the year 2011 had the highest number of fatalities. Between 2006 and 2014, Gudu LGA recorded the highest number of fatalities and violent incidents, while Sakaba LGA had the lowest. For the period under review, the most frequent cause of fatal incidents was cattle grazing, followed by political clashes. Religion, which is often perceived as a major factor of conflict, contributed quite insignificantly to the overall level of violence in the four LGAs, with just a few incidents involving the Yan Shi’a, the Tijaniyya Sufi brotherhood, and the Yan Izala movement. Finally, the study demonstrates that, just as in the urban centres of Sokoto and Kebbi, there are many fatal incidents in rural areas ‑ yet these are unreported. Some explanations for this omission are discussed in relation to poor road infrastructure.
Texte intégral
Introduction and methodology
1One of the primary concerns of the ‘invisible’ violence project of Nigeria Watch is to analyse particular LGAs where fatal incidents appear to have fallen outside the radar of press coverage. The issue is to discover whether this omission results from a dearth of media reports or from an authentic absence of lethal violence. Bearing this framework in mind, the current study investigates ‘invisible’ fatal incidents in Gudu, Gwadabawa, and Illela LGAs in Sokoto State, and Sakaba LGA in neighbouring Kebbi State.
2Northern Nigeria now offers the general impression of an entire region in crisis. However, some analytical nuance is required to distinguish areas that are indeed rife with violence from those largely undisturbed. Thus the north-western geo-political zone of Nigeria includes a mix of states such as Kano and Kaduna, characterized by occasional-to-recurrent crises, and Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi, which have relatively low-intensity violence. To fine-tune our focus on selected LGAs in Sokoto and Kebbi, two main questions must be asked. First, what is the general character of fatal incidents in Gudu, Gwadabawa, Illela, and Sakaba? Second, what factors help to make sense of this gap in the recognition and reporting of violence in the affected LGAs?
3The paper responds to these questions by starting with a brief description of the local socio-political and socio-economic context. With empirical content, it then discusses the nature of lethal violence in the selected LGAs. In the next section, it sheds light on the factors identified as responsible for the shortcomings of reports and records of fatal incidents, while the final part of the paper concludes with remarks on the overall research findings.
4In regard to methodology, a total of 1,200 questionnaires were circulated across a broad spectrum of residents in the four LGAs. Although not all respondents completed every aspect of the questionnaire, a total of 1,083 returned sufficient data to generate a gender matrix complete with figures and percentages in relation to each of the four LGAs. However, to employ further rigour in the distillation of the received data, questionnaires not containing key indices for analyses (causes and descriptions of violent incidents, numbers of fatalities) were separated to generate another set of tables in relation to the four LGAs. Therefore, the total number of respondents recorded in the gender matrix (Table 10.1) does not necessarily match the total number of respondents recorded in Tables 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5.
5A challenge encountered in the study was in relation to questionnaires that appeared to duplicate the same fatal incident, year of event, affected community, and cause of violence. While such questionnaires presented nearly the same set of data, they tended to contain different figures for the number of fatalities. Therefore, such cases were addressed by taking the average of the fatalities recorded, since all other variables remained constant. Furthermore, it is possible that there were instances where certain questionnaires presented different causes for a single violent incident. It should also be taken into account that the limitations of human memory on the part of most respondents limited the generation of data in regard to dates of violent occurrences. Consequently, the tables presented for each of the four LGAs reflect only the years that incidents took place, not the days and months. In all, this study establishes that the overarching pattern of lethal violence in Sokoto and Kebbi has been generally underestimated in terms of its occurrence rate in rural areas and of the frequency of fatalities.
Gudu, Gwadabawa, Illela and Sakaba: A bird’s-eye view
6Gudu, Gwadabawa, and Illela are among the 23 LGAs in Sokoto State. Population distribution figures published by the National Population Commission (NPC) suggest that the total population of Gudu, Gwadabawa, and Illela are 95,400, 231,569, and 150,133, respectively.1 For reasons that may help to explain why violent incidents have received minimal attention from the media, it is important to note that Gudu LGA is situated in a remote part of Sokoto State and, in fact, shares a border with the Republic of Niger. Its capital is a town called Balle, but there are a number of other localities. Similar to Gudu, Illela LGA is also situated far from the geographical centre of Sokoto and shares a border with the Republic of Niger. Among the three LGAs, Gwadabawa is the largest in terms of population size, akin to Sokoto North for instance. However, demographic features do not explain why some LGAs receive little attention as far as violent incidents are concerned.
7Gwadabawa is noted to have played an important role in the historical build-up of the Sokoto caliphate. This fact is acknowledged by Hugh Johnston, who further explains how certain parts of present-day northern Nigeria such as Gwadabawa were geographically compact and, in fact, not dissimilar from English counties.2 Gudu, Gwadabawa, and Illela ‑ and by extension the entire north-western zone of which Sokoto and Kebbi are a part ‑ owe much of their relative order and peaceful milieu to the influence of history and particularly that phase associated with the legacy of the 1804 jihad. Although not the main focus of this section, there is an important point to be made regarding how the jihad led by Sheikh Uthman dan Fodio occasioned not only an Islamic and scholastic revolution but also the bequeathing of a profound socio-political structure and administrative organization of the society which we now know as contemporary Sokoto State. What appears to be the peaceful character of Sokoto and Kebbi is even more significant in light of the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency, to which other northern states such as Borno and Yobe bear witness. It is therefore amidst this apparent atmosphere of relative peace and stability in Sokoto and Kebbi that the challenge of addressing the phenomenon of unreported violent incidents also gains importance.
8Like most of the other LGAs in Sokoto State, Gudu, Gwadabawa, and Illela have their economies based on agriculture and particularly subsistence farming. Several crops are cultivated, but the main ones in these LGAs include millet, maize, guinea corn, and beans/cowpeas. Cattle grazing remains a common practice, which explains why the data in this study underscores how this economic activity is fused with the overall portrait of violent incidents. Weaving, dyeing, and tanning constitute a main focus of local industries; and although attempts have been made by a number of state government authorities to stimulate mechanized agriculture, these LGAs ‑ and indeed Sokoto State ‑ still exhibit a high level of both relative and absolute poverty in comparison with other states.3
9In terms of religion, Gudu, Gwadabawa, and Illela, in common with other LGAs in Sokoto State, are over 90% Muslim, and the predominant language spoken is Hausa (with Fulfulde spoken to a lesser extent). The political landscape in Gudu, Gwadabawa, and Illela has maintained quite a competitive character over the years and especially during the period (2006-2014) examined in this study. A considerable number of the violent incidents identified in the aforementioned LGAs are attributable to the evolution and contestation involving political parties, such as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the four defunct parties that later merged to form the All Progressives Congress (APC). These four defunct parties, which were once active within the aforesaid LGAs, comprise the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Another party involved in some of the violent incidents was the Democratic People’s Party (DPP).
10The socio-political and economic dynamics of Sakaba LGA in Kebbi State are largely associated with the larger historical trajectory of Sokoto State. This of course can be understood by the fact that Kebbi was carved out of Sokoto in August 1991. Of 21 LGAs, Sakaba is among the three least populated LGAs in Kebbi State, with a population of 91,728. The other two smaller LGAs are Kalgo (with a population of 84,928) and Aleiro (67,078).4 Its comparably low population contributes to the perception of Sakaba by the media as unimportant, and its geographical location within Kebbi places it at an extreme corner of the state, sharing borders with neighbouring Niger. Most people from Sakaba practise Islam and are largely Hausa-speaking. There are also some inhabitants who adhere to Christianity or traditional religious beliefs. For instance, traces of traditional religious worship can still be found among the Cicipu-speaking people, who are ethnically referred to as the Acipu, in the part of Sakaba that shares a border with Kontagora LGA in Niger. Subsistence farming and livestock production are widely practised in the area. However, the remote communities of the LGA are severely challenged by problems of accessibility, especially by car during the rainy season. Absent road infrastructure hampers the possibility for farmers to market their harvests outside Sakaba and explains the tendency for violent incidents to go unnoticed by the media and local authorities.
Table 10.1. Demographics of respondents in Gudu, Gwadabawa, Illela, and Sakaba LGAs
LGA | Male | Female | Total | % Male / Female |
Gudu | 234 | 47 | 281 | 83.27 / 16.73 |
Gwadabawa | 217 | 87 | 304 | 71.38 / 26.62 |
Illela | 155 | 90 | 245 | 63.27 / 36.73 |
Sakaba | 149 | 104 | 253 | 58.89 / 41.11 |
Source: Fieldwork, August–September 2014
11As noted in the introductory section, Table 10.1 is based on the data from questionnaires in which respondents indicated their gender status in the respective LGAs. While it may not provide the complete gender portrayal of every respondent, it does provide an impression suggestive of the gender ratio in each of the LGAs. Thus, if the suggested gender ratio is anything to go by, the most striking feature is that there is a much lower response rate from females than from males in all the LGAs. However, the lower feedback rate from females is not in any way a consequence of fewer women in the LGAs. In fact, according to official statistics, Illela LGA, for instance, has a slightly higher number of females (75,184) than males (74,949). Such a skewed outcome can be understood in light of the socio-cultural dynamics which persist in obscuring the ‘visibility’ and representation of women in these communities. Furthermore, the marked religious context of these communities also shapes the interaction of males and females in certain public spaces. This factor no doubt exerted some influence on the willingness of certain women to respond and render numerically representative feedback to the questionnaires.
Violent incidents in Gudu, Gwadabawa, Illela, and Sakaba (June 2006-May 2014)
Table 10.2. Violent incidents in Gudu LGA (June 2006-May 2014)
S/N | Date | Community | Cause | Description | No. of deaths |
1 | 2006 | Balle | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Balle farmers | 3 |
2 | 2006 | Kurdula | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
3 | 2006 | Gwazange | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 7 |
4 | 2007 | Balle | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters | 3 |
5 | 2007 | Balle | Political crisis | DPP vs. PDP supporters during rally | 5 |
6 | 2007 | Kurdula | Political crisis | DPP vs. PDP supporters during rally | 5 |
7 | 2007 | Gwazange | Political crisis | ACN vs. PDP supporters | 2 |
8 | 2007 | Gwazange | Political crisis | ANPP vs. DPP supporters | 1 |
9 | 2007 | Dayeji | Political crisis | ANPP vs. DPP supporters | 8 |
10 | 2007 | Tunga | Political crisis | Former governor’s (Bafarawa) supporters vs. incumbent Sokoto State governor’s (Wammako) supporters | 7 |
11 | 2007 | Bachaka | Political crisis | ANPP vs. DPP supporters | 2 |
12 | 2007 | Karfe | Political crisis | Internal fighting within DPP | 1 |
13 | 2007 | Kuturure | Political crisis | ANPP vs. DPP supporters | 2 |
14 | 2007 | Gurdam | Political crisis | ANPP vs. ACN supporters | 6 |
15 | 2007 | Gwazange | Crime | Neighbouring villages fought each other | 1 |
16 | 2007 | Bangi | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
17 | 2007 | Kurdula | Crime | Family feud involving Hussaini and Amina | 2 |
18 | 2007 | Balle | Crime | A man against another man over marriage matters | 1 |
19 | 2007 | Bachaka | Car accident | Due to over-speeding | 8 |
20 | 2007 | Filisko | Crime | Kanwuri vs. Sabon Gari communities | 2 |
21 | 2008 | Balle | Political crisis | ANPP vs. DPP supporters | 1 |
22 | 2008 | Bachaka | Political crisis | DPP vs. PDP supporters | 1 |
23 | 2008 | Chalasko | Political crisis | ANPP vs. DPP supporters | 2 |
24 | 2008 | Dayeji | Cattle grazing | Fulani and farmers fought over allegation of stolen cattle | 4 |
25 | 2008 | Gwazange | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
26 | 2008 | Bachaka | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
27 | 2008 | Dayeji | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
28 | 2008 | Bachaka | Crime | Family dispute | 1 |
29 | 2008 | Kurdula | Car accident | No description | 8 |
30 | 2008 | Gwazange | Car accident | No description | 2 |
31 | 2009 | Kurdula | Political crisis | ACN vs. PDP supporters | 1 |
32 | 2009 | Tunga | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Tunga farmers | 3 |
33 | 2009 | Rafin Kubu | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
34 | 2009 | Karfe | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 6 |
35 | 2009 | Bachaka | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
36 | 2009 | Kurdula | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
37 | 2009 | Tunga | Crime | Associated with community issues | 1 |
38 | 2009 | Bachaka | Market issue | Family feud over economic issues | 1 |
39 | 2009 | Balle | Crime | One man with his wife against another man | 1 |
40 | 2010 | Gwazange | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters | 1 |
41 | 2010 | Rafin Kubu | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters | 1 |
42 | 2010 | Filasko | Political crisis | CPC vs. PDP supporters | 2 |
43 | 2010 | Gudu Town | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters | 3 |
44 | 2010 | Balle | Political crisis | CPC vs. DPP supporters | 2 |
45 | 2010 | Gurdam | Political crisis | DPP vs. PDP supporters during rally | 1 |
46 | 2010 | Tunga | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Tunga farmers | 3 |
47 | 2010 | Bachaka | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
48 | 2010 | Kurdula | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Hausa community | 3 |
49 | 2010 | Kurdula | Crime | Violence erupted between a couple leading to death of the man | 1 |
50 | 2010 | Tunga | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Tunga farmers | 1 |
51 | 2010 | Bachaka | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
52 | 2010 | Gurdam | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
53 | 2010 | Gwazange | Crime | Family feud | 1 |
54 | 2010 | Dorasa Area | Crime | Community vs. community over economic issues | 1 |
55 | 2010 | Gwazange | Crime | Involvement of male and female youths | 2 |
56 | 2010 | Bachaka | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 2 |
57 | 2010 | Yakka | Crime | Parent-to-parent violence | 2 |
58 | 2011 | Bachaka | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters during electoral campaign | 2 |
59 | 2011 | Bachaka | Political crisis | PDP vs. ACN supporters | 1 |
60 | 2011 | Gudu | Political crisis | DPP vs. PDP supporters | 5 |
61 | 2011 | Balle | Political crisis | DPP vs. PDP supporters during rally | 2 |
62 | 2011 | Balle | Crime | Villagers vs. hooligans in town | 1 |
63 | 2011 | Kokotau | Political crisis | PDP vs. CPC supporters | 2 |
64 | 2011 | Balle | Natural disaster | Flooding crisis | 1 |
65 | 2011 | Yakka | Political crisis | PDP vs. ANPP supporters | 2 |
66 | 2011 | Salawa | Political crisis | PDP vs. CPC supporters | 2 |
67 | 2011 | Salawa, Gudun Buki | Fire | Fire in the houses of Dan Tunau and Suleiman | 4 |
68 | 2011 | Salawa, Gudun Buki | Natural disaster | No description | 5 |
69 | 2011 | Shatoka, Zabarma | Natural disaster | No description | 2 |
70 | 2011 | Karfen Chana | Political crisis | CPC vs. APGA supporters | 2 |
71 | 2011 | Gwazange | Political crisis | DPP vs. PDP supporters during rally | 2 |
72 | 2011 | Gwazange | Market issue | Two persons clashed over ownership of a bag of rice in a market place | 2 |
73 | 2011 | Tunga | Political crisis | DPP vs. PDP supporters during rally | 2 |
74 | 2011 | Filasko | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters | 2 |
75 | 2011 | Filasko | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
76 | 2011 | Filasko | Market issue | Business-related conflict | 2 |
77 | 2011 | Kurdula | Political crisis | DPP vs. PDP supporters during rally | 3 |
78 | 2011 | Rafin Kubu | Political crisis | ANPP vs. DPP supporters during rally | 1 |
79 | 2011 | Dayeji | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters during voting campaign | 1 |
80 | 2011 | Gurdam | Crime | Community vs. community | 1 |
81 | 2011 | Karfe | Crime | Community vs. community | 2 |
82 | 2011 | Karfe | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters during voting campaign | 33 |
83 | 2011 | Boto | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
84 | 2011 | Karfen Sarki | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
85 | 2011 | Karfen Sarki | Crime | Football clash: Gudu United vs. Karfen Sarki Stars | 2 |
86 | 2011 | Tunga | Crime | Rapist beaten to death | 1 |
87 | 2011 | Karfen Chana | Religious crisis | Yan Izala vs. Yan Shi’a | 1 |
88 | 2011 | Shiyar Yamma | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
89 | 2012 | Gudun Buki | Political crisis | PDP vs. ANPP supporters | 2 |
90 | 2012 | Salawa | Crime | Conflict between husband and wife | 3 |
91 | 2012 | Salawa | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
92 | 2012 | Boto | Political crisis | CPC vs. ANPP supporters | 2 |
93 | 2012 | Gozange | Political crisis | PDP vs. CPC supporters | 2 |
94 | 2012 | Bachaka | Political crisis | ANPP vs. PDP supporters | 3 |
95 | 2012 | Bachaka | Crime | Tunga vs. Bachaka community clash | 2 |
96 | 2012 | Bachaka | Market issue | Muslim vs. Muslim | 2 |
97 | 2012 | Bachala | Political crisis | PDP vs. ACN supporters | 31 |
98 | 2012 | Bangi | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Bangi farmers | 1 |
99 | 2012 | Balle | Car accident | Bad roads and over-speeding | 2 |
100 | 2012 | Makuya | Fire | No description | 1 |
101 | 2012 | Kokotau | Fire | Explosion in Makepa area in Kokotau | 3 |
102 | 2012 | Yakka | Religious crisis | Muslims vs. Christians | 9 |
103 | 2013 | Balle | Political crisis | PDP vs. APC supporters | 1 |
104 | 2013 | Balle | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
105 | 2013 | Gwazange | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
106 | 2013 | Bachaka | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
107 | 2013 | Bachala | Political crisis | APC vs. PDP supporters | 5 |
108 | 2013 | Yar Bakwai | Religious crisis | Yan Shi’a vs. Sunni | 2 |
109 | 2013 | Boto | Religious crisis | Tijaniyya vs. Yan Izala | 6 |
110 | 2013 | Karfen Sarki | Crime | Bakin Gari vs. Chikin Gari communities | 2 |
111 | 2013 | Chalasko | Crime | House of Dan Mamman vs. family of Saraki | 3 |
112 | 2013 | Chalasko | Market issue | Buyer vs. seller | 2 |
113 | 2013 | Filasko | Crime | Conflict over a girlfriend | 1 |
114 | 2013 | Kurdula | Cattle grazing | Hausa–Fulani clash for three days before police intervention | 2 |
115 | 2013 | Huda | Natural disaster | Windstorm | 1 |
116 | 2013 | Bangi | Natural disaster | Water erosion between Kokotau and Bangi towns | 3 |
117 | 2014 | Karfe | Political crisis | APC vs. PDP supporters | 2 |
118 | 2014 | Karfe | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers, over missing cow | 7 |
119 | 2014 | Balle | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
120 | 2014 | Balle | Political crisis | APC vs. PDP supporters | 6 |
121 | 2014 | Balle | Car accident | Collision between two motorcycle riders, leaving one dead | 1 |
122 | 2014 | Balle | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 2 |
123 | 2014 | Balle | Natural disaster | Heavy rainfall and floods | 1 |
124 | 2014 | Tunga | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers, over allegation of stolen cattle | 1 |
125 | 2014 | Kurdula | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
126 | 2014 | Kurdula | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 2 |
127 | 2014 | Garin Gabas | Crime | Armed gang invaded community | 1 |
128 | 2014 | Makuya | Car accident | Due to over-speeding and bad roads | 2 |
129 | 2014 | Shetallo | Religious crisis | Tijaniyya vs. Yan Izala | 2 |
130 | 2014 | Bachaka | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
131 | 2014 | Bachaka | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 1 |
Source: Fieldwork, August-September 2014
12Based on the data presented in Table 10.2, there were at least 131 violent incidents in Gudu LGA between 2006 and 2014, resulting in a total number of 367 fatalities. These unreported incidents affected at least 39 different wards and communities within Gudu. The top three causes of violence were political crisis (45 incidents), cattle grazing (33), and crime (23). The three least frequent causal factors of violent incidents were market issues, fires, and religious crises. Matters related to sorcery and land issues did not appear at all as causes. Returning to one of the leading three causes, political crises caused the greatest number of incidents, particularly in 2007 and 2011, which both happened to be election years in the country. Similar to a number of other states, political tensions usually rise in Sokoto before, during, and after elections.
Table 10.3. Violent incidents in Gwadabawa LGA (June 2006-May 2014)
S/N | Date | Community | Cause | Description | No. of deaths |
1 | 2006 | Tungar Zaki | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 7 |
2 | 2006 | Tungar Shanu | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
3 | 2006 | Kola | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
4 | 2006 | Kaura Huchi | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
5 | 2006 | Lukuwa Tudu | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
6 | 2006 | Chimola | Cattle grazing | Hausa vs. Fulani | 1 |
7 | 2006 | Gidan Kaya | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
8 | 2006 | Buzan Lega | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
9 | 2006 | Tajaye | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Hausa | 1 |
10 | 2006 | Gigane | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
11 | 2006 | Here village | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
12 | 2006 | Tungan Shanu | Land issue | Land struggle led to violence between members of the community | 3 |
13 | 2006 | Gidan Kaya | Crime | Armed robbers murdered an individual | 1 |
14 | 2006 | Asara | Sorcery | Community members arrested and killed a suspected sorcerer | 1 |
15 | 2006 | Gwadabawa | Car accident | A lorry ran into an electric pole and exploded, electrocuting two individuals | 2 |
16 | 2006 | Gwadabawa | Crime | A fight broke out between Gwadabawa youth and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) | 1 |
17 | 2006 | Gwadabawa | Crime | A Yoruba woman threw her child into a well | 1 |
18 | 2006 | Gwadabawa | Land issue | Inheritance battle | 1 |
19 | 2006 | Zangiru | Crime | Execution of armed robber by community | 1 |
20 | 2006 | Darma | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
21 | 2006 | Tungar Bugaje | Religious issue | Yan Shi’a vs. Tijaniyya | 2 |
22 | 2007 | Dangero | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
23 | 2007 | Tungar Zaki | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 8 |
24 | 2007 | Kagoye | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Hausa | 1 |
25 | 2007 | Kagara | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
26 | 2007 | Chimola | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
27 | 2007 | Buzan Lega | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
28 | 2007 | Mamman Suka | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
29 | 2007 | Tsolawa | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 5 |
30 | 2007 | Kulalo | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
31 | 2007 | Gwadabawa | Car accident | A fatal accident involving two cars in a head-on collision | 25 |
32 | 2007 | Male | Religious issue | Yan Shi’a vs. Tijaniyya | 3 |
33 | 2007 | Rugar Mande | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
34 | 2007 | Kola | Crime | Asariya group vs. Gubudiyya group during gathering in the town | 1 |
35 | 2007 | Tungar Shanu | Political crisis | Allocation of government projects by the ruling party DPP led to a disagreement with PDP (opposition) | 3 |
36 | 2007 | Gwadabawa | Political crisis | DPP’s LGA chairman allegedly prompted the PDP opposition party into violent demonstrations owing to complaints of injustice | 1 |
37 | 2007 | Tungar Kwangi | Political crisis | Opposition ANPP complained of violation of ‘sharing formula’ by PDP | 3 |
38 | 2007 | Chimola | Political crisis | A complaint of election rigging caused a brutal fight between PDP and DPP supporters | 4 |
39 | 2007 | Gidan Kwano | Political crisis | PDP complained of violation of ‘sharing formula’ by ANPP, leading to violence | 3 |
40 | 2007 | Tungar Dillu | Political crisis | Election result opposed by PDP supporters | 1 |
41 | 2008 | Dan Gero Salame | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
42 | 2008 | Tungar Zaki | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 5 |
43 | 2008 | Tungar Shanu | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
44 | 2008 | Chimola (Tajaye) | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
45 | 2008 | Asara | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
46 | 2008 | Atakwanyo | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
47 | 2008 | Gidan Karna | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
48 | 2008 | Tungan Mani Dan Kasari | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
49 | 2008 | Kalaba | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
50 | 2008 | Dan Sitti | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
51 | 2008 | Dan Burunje | Car accident | A motorcyclist collided with a car at a sharp bend in the road | 3 |
52 | 2008 | Gidan Kaya | Political crisis | Alleged election rigging pitched DPP against ANPP supporters | 1 |
53 | 2008 | Tudun Doki | Political crisis | Political rally of ruling DPP led to violence with opposition ANPP | 1 |
54 | 2009 | Tungar Barga | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
55 | 2009 | Tungar Shanu | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
56 | 2009 | Lahodu | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
57 | 2009 | Kagoye | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
58 | 2009 | Kwalango | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
59 | 2009 | Ranganda | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
60 | 2009 | Gwadabawa | Car accident | A car crashed owing to faulty wheels | 2 |
61 | 2009 | Gwadabawa | Car accident | A commercial motorcyclist and passenger were crushed by a car | 2 |
62 | 2009 | Mammande | Crime | Armed robbery attack | 11 |
63 | 2009 | Matse | Other accident | A tree fell on a man | 1 |
64 | 2009 | Chimola | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
65 | 2010 | Millela | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
66 | 2010 | Kwankwanawa | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
67 | 2010 | Tungar Mallam | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
68 | 2010 | Hunchi | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
69 | 2010 | Mammande | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
70 | 2010 | Gorgawo village | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
71 | 2010 | Takalmawa | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
72 | 2010 | Here village | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
73 | 2010 | Lukuwa Rafi | Natural disaster | Gworonyo Dam over-flowed, flooding villages situated close to a river | 9 |
74 | 2010 | Yar Tunga | Religious issue | Yan Shi’a vs. Tijaniyya | 1 |
75 | 2011 | Lukuwa | Natural disaster | Gworonyo Dam over-flowed, flooding villages along a river | 2 |
76 | 2011 | Tungar Tudu | Religious issue | Yan Shi’a vs. Tijaniyya | 3 |
77 | 2011 | Burdi | Religious issue | Yan Shi’a vs. Tijaniyya | 1 |
78 | 2011 | Kwankwanawa | Religious issue | Yan Shi’a vs. Tijaniyya | 3 |
79 | 2011 | Millela | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
80 | 2011 | Mammande | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
81 | 2011 | Darna | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
82 | 2011 | Dan Fanga | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
83 | 2011 | Tunga Zaki | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
84 | 2011 | Salame | Car accident | A car ran into a mud house, killing the driver | 1 |
85 | 2011 | Tungar Madugu | Political crisis | Supporters of the ruling DPP clashed with the opposition ANPP | 3 |
86 | 2011 | Salame | Political crisis | ANPP supporters attacked the convoy of the LGA chairman | 1 |
87 | 2012 | Kiliya | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
88 | 2012 | Tungar Zaki | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
89 | 2012 | Kola | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
90 | 2012 | Dan Fanga | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
91 | 2012 | Chanca | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
92 | 2012 | Tsolawa | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
93 | 2012 | Jihadi | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
94 | 2012 | Tunga Bugaje | Other accident | A weak wall fell on the occupants of a house | 5 |
95 | 2012 | Tungar Zaki | Car accident | A motorcyclist lost control and crashed through a broken bridge | 4 |
96 | 2012 | Tungar Jeje | Car accident | A driver lost control of his car and died | 1 |
97 | 2012 | Dan Burunje | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
98 | 2012 | Gangada | Political crisis | Campaign rally involving violence between DPP and PDP | 1 |
99 | 2012 | Mele | Political crisis | Opposition ANPP complained of violation of ‘sharing formula’ by PDP | 2 |
100 | 2013 | Kwankwanawa | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
101 | 2013 | Dangero | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
102 | 2013 | Tungar Bugaje | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 3 |
103 | 2013 | Kagara | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
104 | 2013 | Asara | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
105 | 2013 | Tungar Dan Dolo | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 |
106 | 2013 | Salame | Market issue | Dispute regarding the location of a market caused violence | 1 |
107 | 2013 | Tungan Bugaje | Other accident | A dilapidated mud house collapsed, killing its occupants | 3 |
108 | 2013 | Salame | Car accident | Head-on collision involving two cars led to the death of one of the drivers | 1 |
109 | 2013 | Gwanja | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
110 | 2013 | Mammande | Religious issue | Yan Shi’a vs. Tijaniyya | 1 |
111 | 2013 | Gwadabawa | Car accident | A truck crushed a motorcyclist | 1 |
112 | 2013 | Kuliya | Religious crisis | Yan Shi’a vs. Tijaniyya | 3 |
113 | 2014 | Kaime | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 |
114 | 2014 | Gwadabawa | Other accident | A person fell into a well and was found dead after two days | 1 |
115 | 2014 | Salame | Car accident | A motorcyclist crashed into a ditch | 1 |
116 | 2014 | Salame | Car accident | A car crashed through a bridge, killing its driver | 1 |
117 | 2014 | Salame | Car accident | A car driver lost control and crashed into a market, killing one individual | 1 |
118 | 2014 | Tungar Shanu | Car accident | A motorcyclist died following collision with a stationary car | 1 |
119 | 2014 | Tungar Mai Komo | Car accident | A motorcyclist lost control and died following collision in a crowded area | 1 |
120 | 2014 | Salame | Other accident | A child fell into a well | 1 |
Source: Fieldwork, August-September 2014
13Compared with Gudu, Gwadabawa LGA experienced a slightly lower number of violent incidents (120) and fatalities (253) across 68 wards and communities between 2006 and 2014 (Table 10.3). The predominant cause of violent incidents was cattle grazing (68 incidents),5 followed by car accidents (15) and political crises (12). Sorcery, market issues, natural disasters, and land issues constituted the least frequent causal factors linked with violent incidents in the LGA. In terms of years, 2006, followed closely by 2007, witnessed the highest number of violent incidents, among which the number of conflicts involving farmers and Fulani cattle herdsmen were considerable. Although religious crisis was associated with only eight violent incidents, all involved clashes between the Yan Shi’a and the Sufi brotherhood known as the Tijaniyya. This significant number of incidents involving the Yan Shi’a exceeds the number in Gwadabawa LGA and, indeed, fits a broader pattern of religious-related crisis involving the group in some other parts of Sokoto State, such as in Sokoto North and Sokoto South LGAs.6
Table 10.4. Violent incidents in Illela LGA (June 2006-May 2014)
S/N | Date | Community | Cause | Description | No. of deaths | |
1 | 2006 | Gaidau | Political crisis | Two opposing political parties, PDP and DPP, clashed over differences in interest | 3 | |
2 | 2006 | Illela Araba | Sorcery | Conflict between husband and wife | 1 | |
3 | 2006 | Gidan Hamma, Gidan Katta | Fire accident | Explosion | 1 | |
4 | 2006 | Illela District | Crime | Incident involving the Hausa vs. Adarawa community | 1 | |
5 | 2006 | Illela Stadium | Crime | Incident involving the Araba vs. Amarawa football clubs | 1 | |
6 | 2006 | Gidan Kwanni | Crime | Incident involving the Nigerian army against armed robbers | 5 | |
7 | 2007 | Kan Wuri | Political crisis | DPP vs. ACN supporters | 2 | |
8 | 2007 | Gidan Katta | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters | 2 | |
9 | 2007 | Zugana | Political crisis | PDP vs. CPC supporters | 5 | |
10 | 2007 | Tudun Gudali | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters | 1 | |
11 | 2007 | Gidan Ayuba | Political crisis | PDP vs. ANPP supporters | 3 | |
12 | 2007 | Yar Kwalbati | Political crisis | PDP vs. CPC supporters | 1 | |
13 | 2007 | Illela District | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters | 1 | |
14 | 2007 | Gidan Hamma | Political crisis | PDP vs. ANPP supporters | 1 | |
15 | 2007 | Gidan Kwanni | Natural disaster | Flooding (water) | 5 | |
16 | 2007 | Yar Marina | Religious crisis | Yan Izala vs. Tijaniyya | 2 | |
17 | 2007 | Danbar Dikko | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Fulani | 6 | |
18 | 2008 | Sandaga | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters | 3 | |
19 | 2008 | Central Market | Market issue | Conflict over land matter in the market | 1 | |
20 | 2008 | Illela Araba | Fire accident | Explosion | 3 | |
21 | 2008 | Illela Central | Natural disaster | Flood occurred owing to lack of drainage | 1 | |
22 | 2008 | Nasarawa | Natural disaster | Heavy rain caused flooding and deaths and left people homeless | 3 | |
23 | 2008 | Dan Boka | Natural disaster | Flooding | 3 | |
24 | 2008 | Kan Wuri | Religious crisis | Yan Shi’a vs. Yan Izala | 5 | |
25 | 2008 | Illela | Religious crisis | Yan Izala vs. Tijaniyya | 2 | |
26 | 2008 | Yar Tsakkuwa | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 | |
27 | 2008 | Anbarura | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 11 | |
28 | 2008 | Illela Central | Land issue | Fulani vs. Hausa | 3 | |
29 | 2009 | Munwadata | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Hausa | 10 | |
30 | 2009 | Gidan Ayuba | Fire accident | The house of a family caught fire | 2 | |
31 | 2009 | Yar Marina | Market issue | Conflict over market transaction | 2 | |
32 | 2009 | Dan Boka | Religious crisis | Yan Izala vs. Tijaniyya | 1 | |
33 | 2009 | Amarawa | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Fulani | 2 | |
34 | 2009 | Tudun | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Hausa | 5 | |
35 | 2009 | Hura | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 | |
36 | 2009 | Gidan Ayuba | Crime | Hooligans attacked strangers | 4 | |
37 | 2009 | Dan Bar Dikko | Crime | Community defence against armed robbers | 4 | |
38 | 2010 | Kalmano | Political crisis | PDP vs. CPC supporters | 3 | |
39 | 2010 | Danba Fulani | Fire accident | Explosion in a village | 3 | |
40 | 2010 | Dan Birema | Religious crisis | Yan Izala vs. Tijaniyya | 4 | |
41 | 2011 | Illela Araba | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters | 1 | |
42 | 2011 | Ambarura | Political crisis | PDP vs. ACN supporters | 2 | |
43 | 2011 | Gaidau Chiwake | Political crisis | PDP vs. CPC supporters | 1 | |
44 | 2011 | Tudun Gudale | Fire accident | Explosion incident | 1 | |
45 | 2011 | Gidan Hamma | Fire accident | Fire disaster in a village | 1 | |
46 | 2011 | Tambagarka | Market issue | Hawkers vs. traders in market stalls | 5 | |
47 | 2011 | Illela District | Religious crisis | Yan Shi’a vs. Yan Izala | 3 | |
48 | 2011 | Ambarura | Religious crisis | Qadiriyya vs. Yan Izala | 1 | |
49 | 2011 | Danbar Dikko | Religious crisis | Yan Izala vs. Tijaniyya | 2 | |
50 | 2011 | Kalmalo | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Hausa | 2 | |
51 | 2011 | Dan Kuda | Crime | Amarawa vs. Kalmalo football clubs | 1 | |
52 | 2011 | Amarawa | Crime | Supporters of Real Madrid vs. Barcelona football clubs | 3 | |
53 | 2012 | Kara | Political crisis | PDP vs. CPC supporters | 2 | |
54 | 2012 | Tudun Gudale | Political crisis | PDP vs. ACN supporters | 1 | |
55 | 2012 | Gidan Hamma | Natural disaster | Heavy rain | 8 | |
56 | 2012 | Amarawa | Religious crisis | Yan Izala vs. Tijaniyya | 5 | |
57 | 2012 | Illela District | Religious crisis | Yan Izala vs. Tijaniyya, involving the police | 4 | |
58 | 2012 | Yar Marina | Crime | Yar Marina vs. Madatsawa football clubs | 2 | |
59 | 2012 | Illela | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 1 | |
60 | 2012 | Gaidau Chiwake | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 3 | |
61 | 2012 | Yar Kwalbati | Car accident | Motorcycle accident between Kwalbati and a market | 1 | |
62 | 2013 | Amarawa | Crime | Armed robbers vs. residents | 1 | |
63 | 2013 | Madatsa | Political crisis | PDP vs. DPP supporters | 3 | |
64 | 2013 | Gidan Katta | Political crisis | PDP vs. APC supporters | 2 | |
65 | 2013 | Illela | Political crisis | PDP vs. APC supporters | 1 | |
66 | 2013 | Dan Boko | Political crisis | PDP vs. APC supporters | 1 | |
67 | 2013 | Illela Araba | Political crisis | DPP vs. APC supporters | 1 | |
68 | 2013 | Machesare | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 1 | |
69 | 2013 | Illela | Fire accident | Incident occurred in a market | 2 | |
70 | 2013 | Illela Nasara | Fire accident | Fuel station gutted by fire | 3 | |
71 | 2013 | Illela Araba | Oil distribution | Oil distribution led to violence in town | 1 | |
72 | 2013 | Zugana | Fire accident | Fire incident killed one individual | 1 | |
73 | 2013 | Kalmano | Natural disaster | Flooding | 3 | |
74 | 2013 | Illela Yar Kara | Natural disaster | Flooding | 1 | |
75 | 2013 | Illela Yar Kara | Religious crisis | Yan Shi’a vs. Nigerian Army | 10 | |
76 | 2013 | Illela Araba | Political crisis | PDP vs. APC supporters | 1 | |
77 | 2013 | Illela Araba | Religious crisis | Yan Shi’a vs. Tijaniyya | 3 | |
78 | 2013 | Kalmano | Cattle grazing | Hausa farmers vs. Fulani nomads | 11 | |
79 | 2013 | Ambarura | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. Nigerian Police | 1 | |
80 | 2013 | Danba | Land issue | Fulani vs. Hausa | 4 | |
81 | 2013 | Illela Wood Zone | Crime | Commercial motorcyclist vs. angry mob | 3 | |
82 | 2013 | Kalmanu | Political crisis | Local government staff vs. Kalmanu community | 2 | |
83 | 2013 | Sanke | Crime | Hooligans vs. commercial motorcyclist | 1 | |
84 | 2013 | Illela Stadium | Crime | Gaidau Chiwake football club vs. Gidan Hamma football club | 1 | |
85 | 2013 | Dogon Karfe | Crime | Armed robbers vs. community | 2 | |
86 | 2013 | Kwanni road | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 2 | |
87 | 2013 | Ambaruru | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 1 | |
88 | 2013 | Karangiya | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 1 | |
89 | 2013 | Kanwuri | Car accident | Due to over-speeding | 3 | |
90 | 2013 | Tuddun Wada | Car accident | Due to over-speeding | 1 | |
91 | 2013 | Dogon Karfe | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 10 | |
92 | 2013 | Dan Boka | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 3 | |
93 | 2014 | Illela Araba | Political crisis | PDP vs. APC supporters | 1 | |
94 | 2014 | Illela Town | Car accident | Car owner, a relative, and three other victims | 5 | |
95 | 2014 | Amarawa | Land issue | Fulani vs. farmers | 2 | |
96 | 2014 | Dogun Karhe | Car accident | Fatal car crash | 12 | |
97 | 2014 | Illela Araba | Natural disaster | Flooding | 1 | |
98 | 2014 | Gidan Hamma | Religious crisis | Yan Izala vs. Tijaniyya | 1 | |
99 | 2014 | Illela District | Crime | A criminal stole a Kasea motorcycle and was later killed | 1 | |
100 | 2014 | Kara | Crime | Hooligans (Area Boys) vs. community elders | 1 | |
101 | 2014 | Gidan Katta | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 5 | |
102 | 2014 | Chiwaki | Car accident | Due to bad roads | 3 | |
103 | 2014 | Dogon Karfe | Car accident | Fatal auto crash on the way from Illela to Dogon Karfe | 10 |
Source: Fieldwork, August-September 2014
14In spite of a higher population than LGAs such as Gudu, Illela experienced a lower level of violent incidents and fatalities between 2006 and 2014 (Table 10.4). There were 103 unreported violent incidents resulting in 291 fatalities across at least 53 wards and communities. However, similar to Gudu, political crisis was the main cause of lethal violence, followed by 15 incidents associated with car accidents, which exactly matches the situation that transpired in Gwadabawa. As observed in Gudu and Gwadabawa, religious crisis again did not rank among the top three causes of fatal incidents in Illela. In fact, crime caused more violence in the LGA. Market and land conflicts, as well as issues pertaining to sorcery, were the least frequent causal factors of violent incidents. The year 2013 was the most violent year in Illela, measured by number of fatalities as well as frequency of incidents, the principal causes of which were political crisis (involving mainly the PDP and APC) and car accidents (due mainly to bad roads).
Table 10.5. Violent incidents in Sakaba LGA (June 2006-May 2014)
S/N | Date | Community | Cause | Description | No. of deaths | |||
1 | 2006 | Makuku | Crime | Attack led to the death of 6 people | 6 | |||
2 | 2006 | Laraba | Sorcery | Cult member vs. community | 4 | |||
3 | 2006 | Jan-birnin | Crime | Armed gang vs. community | 1 | |||
4 | 2006 | Doka | Sorcery | Act of witchcraft | 1 | |||
5 | 2006 | Jan-birnin | Crime | Armed gang and community | 4 | |||
6 | 2007 | Unguwar Yamma | Sorcery | Ritual incident involving a man and his elder brother | 2 | |||
7 | 2007 | Doka | Sorcery | Act of witchcraft | 2 | |||
8 | 2007 | Makuku | Crime | Armed gang against members of the community | 8 | |||
9 | 2008 | Doka | Sorcery | An alleged witch was killed by members of the community | 1 | |||
10 | 2008 | Dirin Daji | Crime | Cult member vs. community members | 2 | |||
11 | 2008 | Makuku | Crime | Armed gang vs. community | 7 | |||
12 | 2009 | Unguwar Yakkorau | Sorcery | Witch vs. community | 2 | |||
13 | 2009 | Doka | Sorcery | Victim of witchcraft | 1 | |||
14 | 2009 | Jan-birnin | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. community | 2 | |||
15 | 2010 | Diri Yakkoro | Sorcery | A alleged witch killed somebody and was later also killed | 2 | |||
16 | 2010 | Sakaba gari | Crime | Armed gang vs. community | 2 | |||
17 | 2010 | Laraba village | Crime | Police vs. armed robbers | 3 | |||
18 | 2010 | Agale town | Crime | Armed gang vs. community | 2 | |||
19 | 2011 | Yakkorau Diri | Sorcery | Woman killed by a group of people | 2 | |||
20 | 2011 | Rabe | Land issue | Fulani vs. Kambari | 5 | |||
21 | 2011 | Yakkorau | Crime | People killed during an armed robbery attack | 9 | |||
22 | 2011 | Dirin Daji | Crime | Armed gang vs. police and also involving community members, during a robbery incident | 7 | |||
23 | 2011 | Shiyar | Land issue | Communal violence over a plot of land | 6 | |||
24 | 2011 | Makuku | Crime | Armed gang vs. community | 9 | |||
25 | 2012 | Yakoro | Sorcery | An alleged witch killed a man | 2 | |||
26 | 2012 | Rabe | Land issue | Clash over land claims involving a Fulani individual | 3 | |||
27 | 2012 | Dankolo | Crime | Robbery incident | 1 | |||
28 | 2012 | Dankolo | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 5 | |||
29 | 2012 | Jan-birnin | Crime | Armed gang vs. community | 2 | |||
30 | 2013 | Unguwar Wade | Land issue | Farmland destroyed by a Fulani man | 4 | |||
31 | 2013 | Adeyi | Crime | Gang vs. community during a robbery incident | 1 | |||
32 | 2013 | Sakaba | Crime | Armed robbery incident | 2 | |||
33 | 2014 | Unguwar Wade | Land issue | Fulani cattle breeders claimed and destroyed land of Dakarkaru farmers | 5 | |||
34 | 2014 | Dankolo | Land issue | Fulani cattle breeders vs. Dakarkaru farmers | 6 | |||
35 | 2014 | Rabe | Land issue | Fulani vs. Kambari | 5 | |||
36 | 2014 | Rabe | Crime | Armed gang vs. community | 5 | |||
37 | 2014 | Sakaba gari | Cattle grazing | Fulani vs. farmers | 5 |
Source: Fieldwork, August–September 2014
15In Sakaba, the only LGA in Kebbi State examined in this study, a total of 37 violent incidents led to 136 fatalities in 20 wards and communities. The data obtained revealed only four categories of unreported violent incidents: crime, sorcery, land issues, and cattle grazing. Crime and sorcery ranked as the top two factors that resulted in violent incidents, while issues caused by political crises, religious disputes, and car accidents were unidentified. As noted in the introductory part of this paper, the limitations of human memory ‑ for instance, the ability of Sakaba respondents to recall violent incidents relating to politics, religion, and car accidents ‑ should not be entirely ruled out. Nevertheless, the fact that not a single incident within these categories was cited by any respondent underscores that they were not factors considered conspicuous enough to have caused any violent deaths during the period under investigation. In fact, as pointed out earlier, certain parts of Sakaba are known to be severely affected by the problem of inaccessibility with cars. Hence, it is possible to understand the absence of motor accident fatalities in the LGA. Finally, the number of violent incidents and fatalities was highest in 2011, with approximately two-thirds of the total number of deaths attributed to crime ‑ and specifically to armed robbery attacks.
Explaining ‘invisible’ violence in Gudu, Gwadabawa, Illela and Sakaba LGAS
16Accounting for unreported violence in the four LGAs requires an understanding of a number of factors. The first relates to the physical location of some communities in the most far-flung geographical areas of a state. In the case of Sokoto, for instance, there is little dispute over the fact that in geostrategic terms it is situated far from the so-called centre of the country. In addition to harsher climatic conditions in the Sahel, this in a sense also influences the predisposition of people to prefer to migrate in search of economic opportunities in more cosmopolitan and industrial cities and states of Nigeria. Illela, for instance, happens to be one of the LGAs located in an extremely distant part of Sokoto State, and in fact it shares borders with another country (Niger). These factors together offer a perfect excuse to media organizations that may claim justification for not exploring such LGAs; but, at the same time, these organizations miss opportunities to report violent incidents when they do occur.
17A second factor relates to the issue of inaccessibility, which is closely linked to the preceding factor but in an infrastructural context. In Sakaba, statistics thus show a complete absence of car accidents, because of the lack of tarred roads. In Illela LGA ‑ where car accident was the second-most significant factor of lethal violence ‑ nine out of a total of 15 such incidents were attributed to bad roads.
18A third issue identified by respondents was the perceived insensitivity of local government officials and political representatives in a position of accountability towards the affected people. Some more critical respondents underscored the need for more effective representation of their communities in the political sphere. Compounding these challenges is also the manner in which these LGAs are perceived in terms of their economic worth in the eyes of the media as well as other stakeholders in the polity. If the people of these LGAs are not held in high regard by those accountable to them at the political level, this is also reflected in the attitude of media entities, who on their part are less willing to spend money, time, and energy in reporting from these rural regions. The study nonetheless found that there were a few instances where state and national media indeed reported violent incidents in some of the four LGAs under review. But such reporting falls short of providing sufficient details. It simply conveys basic information linked with the entire state, without mentioning the specific wards or communities affected. Several of such incomplete media reports can be found on the websites of various media organizations.
Conclusion
19The data analysed for each of the four LGAs under review clearly shows a range of factors accounting for fatal violence, including cattle grazing, political crisis, crime, and car accident. Particular years were also exceptionally violent, such as 2011 and 2013. Gudu LGA in Sokoto State recorded the highest number of fatalities as well as violent incidents, while Sakaba LGA in Kebbi State had the lowest. Although religion was linked to certain clashes involving the Yan Shi’a, the Tijaniyya Sufi brotherhood, and the Yan Izala movement, it accounted for few incidents in all four LGAs. Worthy of note is that the overall data draws attention to an alarming level of lethal violence in oft-neglected rural areas of Sokoto and Kebbi states.
Notes de bas de page
1 National Population Commission (2010), 2006 Population and Housing Census: Priority Table Volume IV. http://www.population.gov.ng/index.php/publications/141-population-distribution-by-age-and-sex-2006-census-priority-tables-vol-4 [archive].
2 Johnston, H. (1967), The Fulani Empire of Sokoto. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
3 National Bureau of Statistics (2012), Nigeria Poverty Profile 2010 Report. http://www.tucrivers.org/tucpublications/Nigeria%20Poverty%20Profile%202010.pdf
4 National Population Commission (2010), 2006 Population and Housing Census: Priority Table Volume IV.
5 Some of the interviews conducted at the Sokoto State Police Command Headquarters helped to confirm the seriousness of issues arising from cattle grazing in several parts of the state. As the tables show, nearly all the incidents involve clashes between Fulani herdsmen and Hausa farmers.
6 There have been a number of past violent incidents involving Yan Shi’a members, such as clashes in 2005 and 2007, as well as more recent encounters in November 2014 during a Yan Shi’a procession in Sokoto metropolis in Sokoto South LGA. Fieldwork for this study coincided with the period when a Yan Shi’a procession took place; and although there were no reported fatalities, some individuals were injured.

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