Police: Two killed, three houses burnt in Jigawa farmers-herders’ clash

The police command in Jigawa says two persons were killed and three houses burnt in a clash between farmers and herders in Birnin Kudu LGA of the state.

In a statement on Wednesday, Lawan Shiisu, the command’s spokesperson, said the incident occurred after suspected cattle herders from Katsina state invaded and destroyed farmlands in Safa and Gaurakai villages in Jigawa.

“On Tuesday, at about 1600 hrs, the command received information from reliable sources that herders with a large number of cattle from Katsina State, on the invitation of the indigenous herders, were sighted moving towards Safa and Gauraki villages,” the statement reads.

“As a result of this, farmlands along the route were destroyed.

“On receipt of the report, the area commander of Birnin Kudu Area Command mobilized patrol teams alongside the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and rushed to the scenes.”

He explained that farmers in the affected communities had mobilised in large numbers to defend their farmlands before the arrival of the security team.

The police spokesperson added that there was already a clash between the parties before the security operatives succeeded in dispersing them.

He said two of the herders — one from each warring side—lost their lives in the clash.

“Three of the indigenous herders’ houses were set on fire, and 15 cattle belonging to the visiting herders were recovered,” Shiisu added.

He noted that five of the indigenous herders, who were suspected of having invited the invading herders, have been arrested, adding that normalcy has returned to the affected areas.

Shiisu said an investigation into the case is ongoing, noting that anyone found guilty would be prosecuted.