Night Grazing Turns Deadly in Jigawa, 2 Killed, Houses Burnt
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
A late-night grazing incident spiralled into violence in Yalwan Musari Village on Saturday after herders allegedly pushed their cattle to devour cultivated crops in farmlands, triggering a deadly confrontation with local farmers.
A statement made available to The Syndicate by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Jigawa state command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), SP Badaruddeen Mohd said the clash erupted around 10:00 p.m.
Residents said the animals destroyed several hectares of crops, prompting them to confront the intruders in an attempt to halt the encroachment.
However, a 40-year-old, Adamu Hassan was killed during the confrontation while 25-year-old Abba Abba Abdullahi, sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
“Before security operatives arrived, the suspected herders fled the scene, disappearing into the surrounding bush,” the NSCDC said in the statement, but said security operatives and local authorities have since moved into the community to stabilise the situation and launch an investigation.
“The village is now calm, with no fresh disturbances recorded. Investigators are working to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects. Security patrols have been intensified to forestall reprisals and reassure residents.”
The statement added that security operatives have engaged community leaders and officials of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association for intelligence support to enhance night patrols across vulnerable areas and ensure rapid deployment of personnel.
Badaruddeen said two people were killed and several injured including a police officer when the villagers went to inspect the damaged farmland on Sunday morning and were ambushed by the herders who had hidden within the area.
“The herders suddenly attacked with bows and arrows, killing one Magaji Dan’aya on the spot and injuring his younger brother.”
Badaruddeen added that the farmers regrouped and attempted to confront the attackers, sparking a second round of violence.
“The herders also reinforced, moved their cattle several kilometres away and launched another attack. They killed another farmer and forced the villagers to retreat,” he said.
SP Badaruddeen added that the fleeing farmers abandoned one of the corpses in the bush, while the herders pursued them back to the community, surrounded the settlement and set it ablaze.
He said although a team from Operation Salama, comprising police and military personnel arrived the scene, the second corpse remained in the bush until NSCDC operatives recovered it amid fears that the attackers were still hiding nearby.
