No fewer than eight persons have been killed following a violent clash between farmers and herders in Gulma Town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The Bureau Journal gathered that the tragic incident occurred on Tuesday evening and has since triggered heightened security measures in the affected community.
Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the crisis began when a herder identified as Yaron Buba Dogo allegedly allowed his cattle to stray into the farmland of one Alhaji Aminu Ala, resulting in the destruction of crops.
According to the police spokesperson, a confrontation ensued between the two men during which the farmer was allegedly stabbed in the neck and died from the injuries sustained.
Mob Attack Escalates Violence
SP Bashir Usman explained that following the killing of the farmer, angry youths and residents mobilised and attacked the herder, killing him before setting his body ablaze.
The situation quickly degenerated into widespread violence as the mob allegedly launched further attacks on members of the affected community.
Despite efforts by security operatives to contain the crisis, four additional persons lost their lives and their bodies were burnt beyond recognition during the violence.
The police further disclosed that two more corpses were later recovered from a farmland located outside Gulma Town, bringing the total death toll to eight.
Five Persons Rescued
The Police Command stated that five persons, including a woman, were successfully rescued during the operation and evacuated to safety at the Argungu Police Station.
The rescued victims are currently under protective custody as authorities continue efforts to restore calm in the area.
Curfew Imposed as Security Tightens
To prevent further escalation of the crisis, a joint security operation comprising police and other security agencies has been deployed to Gulma and surrounding communities.
The Kebbi State Government has also imposed a curfew in the affected area to maintain law and order.
According to the police, normalcy is gradually returning as security patrols and surveillance operations continue across the community.
Investigation Ongoing
The Police Command said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend individuals responsible for the killings and destruction recorded during the clash.
The Bureau Journal reports that authorities have urged residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to restore lasting peace in Gulma Town and other parts of Argungu Local Government Area.