At least eight people have lost their lives following a violent confrontation between farmers and herders in Gulma Town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday, revealing that the victims included one farmer and seven herders. Security operatives also rescued five individuals, including a woman, during the unrest.
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, the violence began around 3:00 p.m. on Monday after a dispute erupted over alleged crop destruction by cattle.
Usman explained that a herder identified as Yaron Buba-Dogo reportedly allowed his cattle to graze on the farmland of Alhaji Aminu Ala, causing significant damage to crops.
The disagreement between the two men quickly escalated, and the farmer was allegedly stabbed in the neck during the altercation, resulting in his death at the scene.
The incident sparked anger among residents, who reportedly mobilised and attacked the herder. The suspect was killed, and his body was set ablaze by the mob.
According to the police, the violence later spread within the community, leading to additional attacks on herders and other residents.
Despite efforts by security personnel to contain the situation, four more people were killed, with their bodies reportedly burnt beyond recognition.
Security operatives later recovered two additional bodies from a nearby farmland on the outskirts of Gulma Town, bringing the total number of deaths to eight.
Security Agencies Deploy Joint Task Force
The police said five individuals trapped during the violence were successfully rescued and taken to the Argungu Divisional Police Headquarters for safety and protection.
To prevent further escalation, a joint security team comprising police officers and other security agencies has been deployed to the affected community.
The Kebbi State Government has also imposed a curfew in Gulma Town as part of emergency measures aimed at restoring peace and maintaining public order.
Investigation Underway
Usman stated that normalcy is gradually returning to the area as security personnel continue intensive patrols and surveillance operations.
He added that investigations have commenced to identify and prosecute those responsible for the killings, arson, and destruction of property.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, Umar Hadejia, appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
The police chief assured members of the public that all individuals found responsible for the violence would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
He also reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence that could help prevent future conflicts.