Eight People Killed in Clash Between Farmers and Herdsmen in Kebbi

The police confirmed that eight people died in a clash between crop farmers and cattle herders in Gulma Town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

This violence happened on Monday. In response, the authorities have imposed a curfew and sent more security personnel to the area.

The Kebbi State Police Command said the clash started over a disagreement about cattle damaging farmland. Police spokesperson Bashir Usman said in a statement on Tuesday that the incident began around 3 p.m. A herder named Yaron Dogo allegedly let his cattle stray into a farm owned by Aminu Ala, ruining his crops.

In the argument that followed, the herder reportedly stabbed the farmer in the neck, leading to his death. This killing caused an angry mob to attack the herder. They killed him and set his body on fire.

“The mob, thereafter, carried out further attacks on members of the affected community,” Mr Usman said. He added that despite the efforts of security operatives to control the situation, four more people were killed, and their bodies were burned beyond recognition.

The police later found two more bodies on a nearby farm, increasing the death toll to eight.

Five People Rescued

The police reported that security personnel rescued five people, including a woman, who were trapped during the violence. They were taken to safety at the Argungu Police Station.

Authorities have started a joint security operation in the area to stop further attacks and restore order. “The Police subsequently rescued five persons, including one woman, who were trapped during the incident and moved them to safety,” the statement said.

Curfew Imposed

Due to the violence, the Kebbi State Government has imposed a curfew in the affected area. Security agencies are increasing patrols and surveillance.

Police said calm is slowly returning to the community, but investigations into the killings are still ongoing. The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, Umar Hadejia, urged residents to stay peaceful and work with security agencies.

He promised that everyone involved in the killings would be identified and face prosecution.

Recurring Tensions

This latest incident shows the ongoing tensions between farming and pastoral communities in northwestern Nigeria. Disputes over farmland, grazing routes, and water resources often turn violent.

In Kebbi and nearby states, security agencies have warned that unresolved farmer-herder conflicts can lead to larger communal issues if not quickly handled. Police said they are working to identify and arrest those responsible for the killings.