Violence erupted in Shani Local Government Area of Borno State after a marriage proposal sparked tensions between two communities, leaving several people injured and requiring police intervention to restore order.
The incident, which occurred on June 11, 2025, began when a young man identified as Mamaru from Kubo community visited Bargu village with friends to propose marriage to 17-year-old Babaliya Hassan, a resident of Bargu.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, Babaliya had prepared for the occasion by laying a mat in front of her father's compound to celebrate with both families. However, the proposal faced strong opposition from some Bargu youths who reportedly objected to outsiders marrying women from their community.
Escalation of Violence
The initial disagreement forced Babaliya to retreat into her home while Mamaru and his friends withdrew, leaving their mats behind. When they later returned to retrieve their belongings, the situation deteriorated rapidly.
In the heat of the moment, Babaliya allegedly attacked one of the visitors, Muhammad Isa, with a pestle, leaving him seriously injured. Another person, Shuaibu Ali, sustained minor injuries during the confrontation.
"The following day, which coincided with Bargu's market day, the dispute spiralled into broader communal violence. Youths from Kubo, allegedly seeking revenge, rode into Bargu on motorcycles," Makama reported.
During the ensuing chaos, a man named Friday Lado was attacked by Bargu youths, who also set his red Boxer motorcycle ablaze. Six more motorcycles belonging to Kubo youths were reportedly seized by the Bargu community, and a woman, Rukayya Buba, was injured during the confrontation.
Police Intervention
The Borno State Police Command quickly deployed its crack squad tactical team to the area to restore calm. Security personnel evacuated the injured to Shani General Hospital for treatment.
After receiving medical care, the victims were discharged, and the impounded motorcycles were transferred to the Shani Divisional Police Office for safekeeping.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between communities in the region and the potential for seemingly personal matters to escalate into broader communal conflicts.
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