According to growing reports, at least two houses were set ablaze, and several community leaders were injured following a violent clash between groups of youths in Mishigi settlement, located in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, authorities and residents said on Tuesday.
The violence reportedly erupted after a disagreement among youths in the community escalated into open confrontation. Witnesses said the dispute, which initially involved a small group, quickly drew in others and spiralled into attacks on property, forcing residents to flee their homes for safety.
According to local sources, elders and community leaders who intervened in an attempt to calm tensions were assaulted during the chaos, sustaining injuries that required medical attention. They were later taken to nearby health facilities and are said to be in stable condition.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as flames engulfed residential buildings, destroying personal belongings and leaving affected families temporarily displaced.
“People were running in different directions to escape the fire and violence,” said a resident. “Some of the leaders tried to stop the youths, but they were attacked instead.”
While no deaths were reported, the destruction of homes has deepened concerns among residents already grappling with economic hardship.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying officers were deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent further escalation. Security patrols were reinforced after the clash, and an investigation has been launched to identify those responsible.
“The situation has been brought under control,” a police spokesperson said. “We are working with community leaders to ensure peace is maintained and that those involved in the violence are held accountable.”
Community members suggested the clash was rooted in long-standing grievances among youths, including disputes over influence, social rivalry, and frustration linked to unemployment. Such tensions, they say, have occasionally flared in the area but rarely reached this level of destruction.
Analysts note that youth-related violence remains a recurring challenge in parts of Kaduna State, often fueled by economic pressures and weak local conflict-resolution mechanisms.
Traditional leaders and civil society groups have called for dialogue and reconciliation, urging authorities to address the underlying causes rather than rely solely on security measures.
As calm returns to Mishigi settlement, affected residents are appealing to the state government for assistance to rebuild destroyed homes and support displaced families, warning that unresolved grievances could trigger further unrest if left unaddressed.
