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One Dead, Several Injured in Yobe Farmers-Herders Clashes |
A series of clashes between farmers and herders in various communities across Yobe State has resulted in one death and numerous injuries.
The Yobe State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this information in a statement released in Damaturu.
The statement highlighted that 14 incidents between farmers and herders have been recorded recently, leading to significant loss of lives and property.
One notable incident occurred on July 1, 2024, in Gazarkuma village, Nangere local government area. Youths, allegedly mobilized by the village head, attacked farm laborers in Gubate village, resulting in the death of a 35-year-old tractor driver, Mohammed Kabiru, and leaving another individual with serious injuries.
Similarly, on June 26, 2024, at around 4:00 p.m., police in Damagum arrested Abduwahab Abubakar, 40, along with four other suspects, for conspiring and attacking Hussaini Lawan Sani, 45, of Goba Abba Village. The assailants, armed with dangerous objects, robbed the victim of N250,000.
The suspects are currently in custody, and a thorough investigation is underway at the State CID.
The command attributed the recurring clashes to delayed reporting of aggressive trespass, unresolved disputes, and informal farmland allocation arrangements. It warned that criminal elements exploiting these situations for personal gain would be arrested and prosecuted.
State Commissioner of Police Garba Ahmed emphasized the command's commitment to addressing agro-related conflicts through targeted programs in various LGAs. He directed Divisional Police Headquarters to encourage early dispute referrals, organize monthly community engagements between farm owners and herders, and maintain robust surveillance on potential troublemakers.
