A deadly clash between farmers and herders in Barskuta village, Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, has left five people dead, several others injured, and many domestic animals killed or stolen.
The violence began with the killing of Sule Mohammed, a farmer, by suspected herders, and his corpse was dumped in a stream near his farm.
“Mohammed didn’t return home which necessitated his family to search for him and unfortunately, he was found dead in a river within the area suspected to have been killed by a yet to be identified person,” said Police Public Relations Officer Wasiu Abiodun.
The conflict escalated into a reprisal attack, with dangerous weapons used, and spread to Beji town, prompting the closure of the weekly Wednesday market to prevent further violence.
The state government has deployed armed policemen and soldiers to maintain peace, but many villagers have fled in fear of another attack.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between farmers and herders in Nigeria, resulting in loss of lives, properties, and livelihoods.