Yobe State Police Command has expressed displeasure over farmers/herders clashes as well as farmland crises in the state that have claimed many innocent lives.
The Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, who decried the recent incidents of farmland disputes and farmer/herder clashes in the state, called for caution so that it will not degenerate.
The Command PPRO, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim in a statement on Sunday, revealed that the command recorded 14 incidents during the period under review, resulting in loss of lives and several hospitalisations.
The Commissioner of Police then called for a reassessment of how farmlands are allocated to farmers by local authorities, especially as the farming season has come.
The command, the PPRO said, is currently investigating an incident that claimed one life and left several others hospitalised.
The suspects allegedly claimed trespass and unlawful cultivation and resorted to illegal and arbitrary means to evict the intruders.
“On July 1, 2024, personnel from the Nangere Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended Mohammed Bulama (aka Mai Zarma), 65 years old, the Village Head of Gazarkuma Village, Nangere LGA.
“He (the village head) mobilised a gang of youths with deadly objects, including knives, cutlasses, bows, and arrows, and attacked a farmland belonging to Maigari Mato 65, at Gubate Village. The attack resulted in the death of a tractor driver, Mohammed Kabiru, 35, and grievous injuries to Hassan Lawan.
“Earlier on June 26, 2024, at about 1600 hr, Police in Damagum arrested Abduwahab Abubakar, 40, and four other suspects for conspiring and attacking Hussaini Lawan Sani, 45, of Goba Abba Village.
“The assailants, carrying dangerous objects, attacked and robbed the victim of N250,000.00. The suspects are currently behind bars, and a discreet investigation is ongoing at the State CID.
“The recurring incidents are attributed to a lack of early reporting of aggressive trespass, previous unsettled disputes, and informal arrangements in allocating farmland.
“Criminally-minded community members are taking the law into their own hands for ulterior motives. The Command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute culprits,” he noted.
The Commissioner of Police further urged local authorities to address issues of farmland disputes and farmer/herder clashes by organising seasonal community engagement to facilitate a long-lasting, peaceful partnership between farmers and herders.
His words : “The Command is equally committed to addressing agro-related conflict issues through designed programs for parties at various LGAs.
“The Divisional Police Headquarters is directed to encourage early referral of disputes, organise monthly community engagement of farm owners and herders and Ensure robust surveillance of mischievous elements.”
He reiterated that mob action is a crime, and individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court stressing that, “Any assault on a person suspected of committing a crime or being arrested after committing a crime is a violation of human rights.”
He appreciated the public’s cooperation and urged them to continue reporting incidents to the authorities.