Farmers-Herders Conflict in Jigawa Leaves Three Dead, Many Injured

Three persons have been killed in a clash between farmers and herders in Gauraki and Safa villages in Birnin Kudu Local Government council, Jigawa State.

The clash was said to have occurred after some the herders migrated from Katsina to Jigawa following invitation by some local herders which led to the destruction of farmlands in the areas.

It was gathered that some farmers were mobilised to protect their farm produce from destruction, and in the process many houses were set ablaze while scores of people sustained various degrees of injuries.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson, Jigawa state Police Command, DSP Lawan Shiisu, at about 1600hrs on Tuesday, the command, received information from reliable sources that, herders with a large number of cattle from Katsina state on the invitation by the indigenous herders were sighted moving towards Safa and Gauraki villages in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, as a result of this, farmlands along the route were destroyed.

DSP Shiisu said it took the intervention of the security agencies to disperse the warring factions and restore normalcy in the area.

“Farmers also mobilised in large numbers to defend their farmlands before the arrival of a team. On receipt of the ugly report, the Area Commander of Birnin Kudu Area Command mobilised patrol teams alongside Nigeria Security And Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and rushed to the scenes.”

“Consequently, the duo attacked themselves, though the team succeeded in dispersing the warring parties.

“As the visiting herders made off with their cows, two (2) people—one from each side—lost their lives, three (3) of the Indigenous herders’ houses were set on fire, fifteen (15) of the visiting herders’ abandoned cows were found, and five (5) Indigenous herders who were thought to have invited the herders were taken into custody.

“Currently, normalcy has been restored, as Police tactical teams in collaboration with local Vigilante, Hunters, and Yan Bulala have been deployed to areas to forestall further breaches of peace.

“An investigation commenced, as anyone found guilty after a discreet investigation will be prosecuted accordingly,” Shiisu said.

The spokesperson added, “One from the farmer’s side reportedly passed away today, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, after drowning inside a drainage system yesterday while attempting to flee for his life. Now, the death toll has increased to three (3).

“All of the suspects arrested will undergo in-depth investigations at SCID Dutse, and those found guilty will face severe consequences.

“The command issued a stern warning to the two parties, telling them to stop taking laws into their own hands and to wait for the state government-appointed committee to come up with a resolution. We promise them that anything the aforementioned committee ultimately recommends will be in their best interests.

Ahmad Sorondinki

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