THREE PEOPLE ARE FEARED DEAD AFTER A BRAWL BETWEEN YOUTHS IN THE ABUJA SUBURB [WATCH]

The conflict, which continued on Monday, was alleged to have lasted three days.

Reports on Monday, officers from the Federal Capital Territory Joint Security Taskforce were able to restore normalcy to the region.

Our correspondent learned that the incident occurred on Saturday evening in one of Gwarinpa's Gbagyi-populated neighborhoods.

According to a source close to the situation, the riot started after a concerted attack by hoodlums, largely commercial tricycle operators and drug peddlers, on the home of a local politician who lives in the neighborhood.

At least three individuals are believed to have been murdered and more than five others injured in a conflict between Gbagyi and Hausa youths in the 3rd Avenue neighbourhood of Gwarinpa, Abuja.

According to the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, only one individual was killed in the altercation.

"This was followed by a reprisal by some Gbagyi people in the community, and about three people have been killed, while more than five people have been seriously injured," the source added.

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses who spoke to our correspondent on Monday said the crisis erupted after some suspected drug peddlers allegedly discovered that someone was serving as an informant for security personnel on their trail.

"The discovery prompted the drug peddlers to attack the alleged informant and the situation escalated until Monday when security operatives intervened, but three people have died so far," an eyewitness said.

Meanwhile, investigations indicated that several injured residents were brought to the Federal Road Safety Corp Medical Centre in Gwarinpa.

The FRSCMC stated that at least two individuals were murdered during the conflict, adding that others are in serious condition and have been sent to the National Hospital.

Meanwhile, DCP Ahmed Musa, acting Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, met with representatives of the Gbagyi and Hausa communities in the area on Monday to broker peace.

The command confirmed one death and one arrest.

SP Josephine Adeh, the command's spokesperson, revealed this in a statement made accessible to journalists.

Adeh said, "The acting CP for the FCT, DCP Ahmed Musa, has met with traditional rulers of both the Hausa and Gbagyi communities in Gwarinpa at his office in the command headquarters to broker peace between both groups, deliberate on possible collaboration necessary to keep the youth in check and oust troublemakers in the communities.

"The fracas between the two groups which caused the grievous wounding of two youths who were conveyed to the hospital where one was eventually declared dead after attempts to attend to his wounds failed, led to the arrest of one suspect who is currently assisting the police in their investigations to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the affray."

She went on to say that the CP has advised traditional authorities to encourage youths to seek legal redress for issues.

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