Sani Dutsinma
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of eight people in Gulma town, Argungu Local Government Area, following a violent clash between farmers and herders.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.
According to the police, the incident began when a herder, identified as Yaron Buba Dogo, allegedly allowed his cattle to graze on the farmland of Alhaji Aminu Ala, destroying crops.
The situation reportedly escalated into a confrontation during which the farmer was fatally stabbed in the neck.
Police said an angry mob subsequently mobilized and attacked the herder, killing him and setting his body ablaze.
The violence spread further within the community, resulting in the deaths of four additional persons whose bodies were reportedly burnt beyond recognition despite efforts by security personnel to restore order.
The statement added that two more corpses were later recovered from a farmland on the outskirts of Gulma town.
Security operatives also rescued five people, including a woman, who were trapped during the unrest and evacuated them to the Argungu Police Station for safety.
To prevent further escalation, a joint security operation has been deployed to the area, while the state government has imposed a curfew.
The police noted that calm is gradually returning to the community as security patrols and surveillance activities continue.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring the public that those responsible for the killings would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
He added that investigations into the incident are ongoing.