Farmers/herders clash claims 8 lives in Kebbi, Nigeria

At least eight people have died following a violent clash between farmers and herders in Gulma town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria. The conflict erupted on Monday afternoon, escalating tensions between the two communities.

According to reports, the violence was triggered when a Fulani herder allegedly stabbed a farmer to death on his farmland. This act of violence prompted a swift and brutal reprisal attack from members of the farming community, who allegedly targeted Fulani settlements in the area, resulting in the deaths of approximately eight individuals.

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The incident was a reprisal attack following the stabbing of a farmer by a herder. We are currently in control of the situation, and eight people lost their lives.

The Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the incident, stating that the clash occurred around 3:00 p.m. on Monday and led to multiple fatalities. He assured that the situation is now under control, with security operatives having rescued four individuals who were taken to the hospital for treatment before being discharged. Normalcy has been restored, and security personnel are actively maintaining law and order in the affected area.

Usman urged residents to remain peaceful, cooperate with security agencies, and refrain from taking matters into their own hands. He emphasized the importance of reporting grievances through appropriate authorities. A source familiar with the incident provided further context, suggesting the conflict stemmed from a prior dispute where a herder's cow allegedly damaged a farmer's property, leading to animosity that culminated in the fatal stabbing.

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The late attacker only returned to the farm and engaged the farmer for breaking the leg of his cow. He was pinned by the farmer but while under the Fulani man brought out a knife and stabbed him which led to his death.