\n\nEight people have been confirmed dead following a violent clash between farmers and herders in Gulma Town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, after a dispute over alleged destruction of farmland by cattle escalated into deadly reprisal attacks.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that the violence, which occurred on Monday, began after cattle belonging to a herder allegedly strayed into a farmland and destroyed crops.
According to the police spokesperson, Bashir Usman, the crisis started around 3 p.m. when cattle being grazed by a herder identified as Yaron Dogo allegedly entered a farm belonging to Aminu Ala.
The situation reportedly turned violent after an argument broke out between the farmer and the herder. Police said the herder allegedly stabbed the farmer in the neck during the confrontation, leading to his death.
The killing triggered anger among residents, with an enraged mob allegedly attacking the herder, killing him and setting his body on fire. The police said the violence later spread, with more members of the affected community becoming victims of further attacks.
“Despite efforts by security operatives to contain the situation, four additional persons were killed and their bodies burnt beyond recognition,” the police spokesperson said.
Authorities later recovered two more bodies from a nearby farmland, bringing the total number of fatalities from the incident to eight.
Five people, including a woman, were rescued by security personnel after they were trapped during the violence. They were evacuated to the Argungu Police Station for safety.
Following the attack, the Kebbi State Government imposed a curfew in the affected area as security agencies increased patrols and surveillance to prevent further escalation.
The police said normalcy was gradually returning to the community, but investigations into the killings were ongoing. Security operatives have also commenced efforts to identify and arrest individuals suspected to have participated in the attacks.
The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, Umar Hadejia, appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies. He assured the public that anyone found responsible for the violence would be brought before the law.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the recurring tensions between farming and pastoral communities in parts of northern Nigeria, where disputes over farmland, grazing areas, and access to natural resources have frequently resulted in violent confrontations.
Security authorities have continued to call for peaceful resolution of disputes between farmers and herders, warning that unresolved conflicts can quickly develop into wider communal crises.
The police assured residents that security measures would remain in place as investigations continue and efforts are made to restore lasting peace in Gulma Town.
