By Our Reporter
What began as a dispute over damaged farmland has left eight people dead and plunged Gulma community in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State into mourning.
The violence erupted on Monday afternoon when a herder, identified as Yaron Buba Dogo, allegedly allowed his cattle to stray into the farmland of Alhaji Aminu Ala, destroying crops. The incident quickly escalated into a bloody clash between farmers and herders, claiming eight lives.
According to the Kebbi State Police Command, the crisis broke out around 3 p.m. and spiraled despite efforts by security operatives to restore order. Police spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, said four additional victims were killed during the unrest, with their bodies reportedly burnt beyond recognition.
He added that two more corpses were later discovered on farmlands outside Gulma town. Security personnel also rescued five people, including a woman, who had been trapped during the violence and evacuated them to safety at the Argungu Police Station.
Authorities have since deployed a joint security team to the area, while the state government imposed a curfew to prevent further bloodshed. Police say calm is gradually returning as patrols and surveillance continue across the community.
Residents, however, say the deadly confrontation was rooted in an old feud between the farmer and the herder. A local source revealed that tensions had simmered for years after the farmer allegedly injured one of the herder’s cows while trying to chase it away from his farm.
According to the source, the unresolved dispute resurfaced when the herder allegedly returned to confront the farmer over the incident. The confrontation turned violent, and the farmer was reportedly stabbed to death.
News of the killing spread quickly through the community, triggering retaliatory attacks against the herder and other Fulani residents in the area.
Police say investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for the killings and bring them to justice. Meanwhile, grieving families are left to cope with the devastating loss as the community struggles to recover from one of its deadliest clashes in recent times.
