A violent clash between farmers and herders in Barskuta village, Bosso local government area of Niger State, has left five people feared dead, several others injured, and significant property damage. The conflict, which erupted following the murder of a local farmer, has plunged the community into chaos and fear.
The deadly confrontation began after the lifeless body of Alhaji Sule Mohammed, a local farmer, was discovered in a shallow stream near his farm. Mohammed had earlier complained about cattle, belonging to unidentified herders, invading and destroying his crops.
His failure to return home from the farm prompted his relatives to search for him, leading to the gruesome discovery. The shocking news spread rapidly through Barskuta village, prompting angry villagers to mobilize for a retaliatory attack on the herders’ settlement.
The ensuing violence saw the use of dangerous weapons, including daggers and sticks, and quickly escalated, spreading to nearby Beji town. The clash left five people dead, while others sustained various degrees of injuries. Victims are currently receiving treatment at different health centers in Minna, the state capital.
In addition to the human casualties, numerous domestic animals were killed or rustled during the fracas. The violence also resulted in the complete destruction of several houses and shops, leaving many residents displaced and homeless. Fearing further attacks, many villagers have fled the area, seeking refuge in safer locations.
Meanwhile, the state government has ordered the closure of Beji town’s weekly Wednesday market, a move aimed at curbing additional violence. Armed policemen and soldiers have since been deployed to the affected areas to restore order and maintain peace.
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The Niger State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident but did not specify the number of casualties. According to the police statement, “On 27/08/2024 at about 0700hrs, a report indicated that one Alhaji Sule Mohammed of Barkuta Village, Bosso LGA went to his farm with his son and sighted some cattle in the farm. He instructed his son to go home while he searched for the owner of the cattle. Unfortunately, he did not return home, and his body was later found in a river within the area, suspected to have been killed by an unidentified person.”
The statement further noted that a small-scale inter-tribal attack followed the discovery of Mohammed’s body, resulting in the loss of lives. Police tactical teams led by ACP Galadima Lassa have since restored normalcy to the area, and efforts to apprehend the perpetrators are ongoing.
High-ranking government officials have visited Barskuta village to assess the situation, though no official statement has been released at the time of this report.
