Eight people have been confirmed dead following a violent clash between farmers and herders in Gulma Town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The Kebbi State Police Command disclosed this on Tuesday, saying the victims included one farmer and seven herders. Security operatives also rescued five people, including a woman, during the violence.
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, the crisis began around 3:00 p.m. on Monday after a herder, identified as Yaron Buba-Dogo, allegedly allowed his cattle to graze on a farmland belonging to Alhaji Aminu Ala, damaging crops.
The incident reportedly sparked an argument between the two men, during which the farmer was allegedly stabbed in the neck and died at the scene.
The killing triggered outrage among residents, who allegedly descended on the herder, killing him and setting his body ablaze.
The situation quickly escalated as angry youths launched reprisal attacks within the community.
Despite efforts by security personnel to contain the unrest, four more people were killed and their bodies burnt beyond recognition. Two additional corpses were later discovered on a farmland outside Gulma, bringing the death toll to eight.
Usman said security operatives successfully rescued five people trapped during the violence and moved them to the Argungu Divisional Police Headquarters for safety.
He added that a joint security team comprising police officers and other security agencies has been deployed to the area to prevent further violence.
The Kebbi State Government has also imposed a curfew on the community as part of efforts to restore order and avert a fresh outbreak of hostilities.
According to the police, calm is gradually returning to the area, with security personnel maintaining round-the-clock patrols and surveillance.
Investigations have commenced to identify and arrest those responsible for the killings and destruction.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while calling on members of the public to provide useful information that could help security agencies prevent further violence.
