In Kebbi State, eight people have been confirmed dead following a violent confrontation between farmers and herders in Gulma town, Argungu Local Government Area.
The spokesperson of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the deceased included one farmer and seven herders, while five other persons, including a woman, were rescued alive by security operatives during the crisis.
According to him, the incident began around 3:00 p.m. on Monday after a herder, identified as Yaron Buba-Dogo, allegedly allowed his cattle to trespass into the farmland of one Alhaji Aminu Ala, leading to the destruction of crops.
Usman explained that the situation escalated into a confrontation between both men, during which the farmer was reportedly stabbed in the neck and died instantly.
He added that the killing sparked anger among some residents, who retaliated by attacking the herder, killing him and burning his remains.
The spokesperson further stated that the mob violence spread within the community, resulting in additional attacks despite efforts by security personnel to restore calm.
In the process, four more persons were killed and their bodies were set ablaze, while two additional corpses were later discovered on a farmland outside the town, bringing the total fatalities to eight.
Usman also confirmed that five individuals were rescued during the unrest and taken to the Argungu Divisional Police Headquarters for protection.
He noted that a combined team of security agencies had been deployed to the area to prevent further escalation and maintain order.
He added that the state government had introduced a curfew in the affected community as part of measures to restore peace.
According to him, normalcy is gradually returning, with security operatives continuing patrols and surveillance in the area.
He further revealed that investigations have commenced to identify and arrest those involved in the killings and destruction of property.
The police commissioner, Umar Hadejia, urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, assuring that justice would be served.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and called on the public to provide useful information that could help prevent further violence.