Sapele, Delta State – Chaos erupted in Sapele as enraged youths set fire to a Hausa settlement following allegations that a group of Hausa individuals had stolen a newly installed transformer meant to supply electricity to the community.

According to local sources, the transformer, which had just been installed to improve power supply, mysteriously went missing, sparking outrage among residents. Accusations quickly spread, pointing fingers at some members of the Hausa community. In a fit of anger, the youths mobilized and stormed the settlement, setting buildings and properties ablaze.

Eyewitnesses report that residents of the settlement fled for safety as the mob unleashed destruction, leaving the area in ruins. The violent retaliation has heightened ethnic tensions in the region, with fears of further escalation if urgent intervention is not taken.

Security operatives have since been deployed to the scene to restore order and prevent further violence. Authorities are calling for calm, urging residents to allow law enforcement to investigate the transformer theft rather than resorting to jungle justice.

This incident underscores the growing fragility of interethnic relations in some parts of Nigeria, where disputes over crime often escalate into communal clashes. As investigations continue, many are calling for dialogue and peaceful resolutions to prevent further bloodshed.