The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the death of eight people following a violent clash between farmers and herders in Gulma Town, Argungu Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, stating that the victims included one farmer and seven herders.
According to the police, five individuals, including a woman, were rescued by security operatives during the violence.
Usman explained that the incident began at about 3:00 p.m. on Monday when a herder identified as Yaron Buba-Dogo allegedly allowed his cattle to stray into the farmland of Alhaji Aminu Ala, causing damage to crops.
A dispute reportedly broke out between the two men, during which the farmer was allegedly stabbed in the neck and died at the scene.
The killing sparked outrage among residents, who reportedly mobilised and attacked the herder, killing him and setting his body ablaze.
“The development triggered outrage among some residents, who mobilised and attacked the herder, killing him and setting his body ablaze.
“The mob thereafter launched further attacks on members of the affected community.
“In spite of efforts by security personnel to restore order, four additional persons were killed and their bodies burnt beyond recognition.
“Two more corpses were later recovered from a farmland on the outskirts of Gulma Town,” Usman stated.
The police spokesperson said security operatives were able to rescue five people trapped during the unrest 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 had been deployed to the area to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
As part of efforts to restore peace, the Kebbi State Government has imposed a curfew on the affected community.
Usman noted that normalcy is gradually returning to the area, with security personnel maintaining intensive patrols and surveillance operations.
He further disclosed that investigations have commenced to identify and arrest those responsible for the killings and destruction recorded during the clash.
The spokesperson quoted the Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, as urging residents to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while assuring that all those found culpable would face justice.
The police commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and appealed to residents to provide credible information that could help prevent further violence.
