Tragedy struck in Barkuta community, Bosso local government area of Niger State, as a clash between indigenous Gbagyi farmers and herdsmen resulted in an unspecified number of deaths and injuries.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning between the indigenous Gbagyi people and herdsmen, leaving several persons severely injured and homes destroyed.
The conflict allegedly began when herdsmen killed a prominent farmer, simply known as Alhaji, who had protested against cattle encroaching on his farm.
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Reports say Alhaji took his complaints to the herders’ settlement on Monday evening over the incident that occurred on his farm.
It was furthered gathered that when Alhaji failed to return from his visit to the herdsmen’s settlement on Monday evening, community members launched a search party and discovered his body in the bush on Tuesday morning.
After Alhaji’s body was discovered in the bush, the community mobilized and attacked the herdsmen’s enclaves, leading to a violent confrontation.
The area is now gripped by fear and anxiety, with residents fleeing in anticipation of retaliatory attacks.
The Niger State Police command through the Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident.
Abiodun noted that details are still sketchy, adding that an investigation is likely to follow.
He said: “the command will issue a statement on it when we have more information on the cause of the confrontation between the farmers and headers, including the number of casualties in Bosso local government”.
