The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that eight people lost their lives following a deadly confrontation between farmers and herders in Gulma Town, located in Argungu Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, made this known in a statement released on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.
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Usman stated that those killed included one farmer and seven herders, while security personnel rescued five individuals, among them a woman, during efforts to contain the violence.
According to the police spokesman, the crisis began around 3:00 p.m. on Monday after a herder identified as Yaron Buba-Dogo allegedly allowed his cattle to graze on the farmland of Alhaji Aminu Ala, causing extensive damage to crops.
The situation reportedly escalated into a dispute between the farmer and the herder, during which the farmer was allegedly stabbed in the neck and died instantly.
“The incident provoked anger among residents, who mobilised and attacked the herder, killing him before setting his body on fire.
“The violence subsequently spread as the mob targeted members of the affected community.
“Despite swift intervention by security operatives, four more people were killed and their bodies burnt beyond recognition.
“Security personnel later recovered two additional bodies from a farmland on the outskirts of Gulma Town,” Usman said.
He added that officers successfully evacuated five people trapped in the violence to the Argungu Divisional Police Headquarters, where they were placed under protection.
To prevent further unrest, a combined security team made up of police officers and other security agencies has been deployed to the area.
Usman also disclosed that the state government had imposed a curfew on the community as part of efforts to restore peace and avert further clashes.
He noted that calm was gradually being restored, with security forces maintaining round-the-clock patrols and surveillance across the affected area.
The spokesman further revealed that an investigation had been launched to identify and prosecute those responsible for the killings and destruction of property.
Quoting the Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, Usman urged residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with law enforcement authorities, assuring that all perpetrators would face justice.
He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to protect lives and property throughout the state and called on members of the public to provide useful information that could help security agencies prevent future incidents.
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