QA deadly confrontation between farmers and herders in Barskuta village, Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, resulted in the deaths of five people, multiple injuries, and the loss or theft of numerous domestic animals.
The violence was triggered by the killing of a farmer, Sule Mohammed, allegedly by herders, with his body found dumped in a stream near his farm. “Mohammed didn’t return home, prompting his family to search for him. Unfortunately, he was found dead in a river in the area, suspected to have been killed by an unidentified person,” stated Police Public Relations Officer Wasiu Abiodun.
The incident escalated into a retaliatory attack involving dangerous weapons, spreading to Beji town and leading to the closure of the weekly Wednesday market to prevent further violence. The state government has responded by deploying armed police officers and soldiers to restore order, though many villagers have fled in fear of additional attacks.
This clash underscores the persistent tensions between farmers and herders in Nigeria, which continue to lead to loss of life, destruction of property, and disruption of livelihoods.
