A violent clash between farmers and herders in Komi District, Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, has left two people dead and several others injured.
The deadly fight broke out on Sunday after a disagreement over farmland escalated into chaos involving youths from nearby communities.
Among the victims was Mohammed Jibrin, 27, the son of the district head of Komi. He was rushed to General Hospital, Biri, in Nafada Local Government Area after suffering severe injuries. Sadly, he died while receiving treatment.
Police confirmed that a police officer was also killed when security teams attempted to restore peace.
According to the Gombe State Police spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, three farmers and one herder sustained minor injuries during the confrontation. He said that police officers and local vigilantes were deployed to the area immediately after the crisis began.
However, the situation turned deadly when groups of angry youths, allegedly from Dukku and Kwami Local Government Areas, attacked the responding security personnel.
“When the police and local vigilantes were mobilised to the scene, the youths turned on them,” Abdullahi said. “One of our officers was killed in the confrontation.”
He confirmed that 17 suspects had been arrested so far, adding that calm had been restored to the troubled district.
Residents of Komi and neighbouring communities have long complained of encroachment on farmland, crop destruction, and grazing disputes with herders. Locals say the recurring tensions often lead to violence during the harvest season.
DSP Abdullahi assured residents that investigations were ongoing and urged them to remain calm and cooperate with authorities. He appealed for credible information that could help in the ongoing probe.
The police spokesperson added that patrol teams were still stationed in the district to prevent further clashes and to protect farmers during the harvest period.
The latest incident highlights the growing farmers-herders conflict in northern Nigeria, which has claimed hundreds of lives in recent years. Analysts warn that without stronger conflict-resolution mechanisms, the cycle of violence could worsen as competition over land intensifies.