Seven people have been killed, and about 50 huts have been razed following a violent clash between farmers and suspected herdsmen in Lanzai and Dosho communities of Darazo Local Government Area, Bauchi State.
The state police command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, on Thursday, said six other persons sustained varying degrees of injuries, prompting the deployment of tactical operatives to restore order and prevent further escalation.
The command explained that at about 9 a.m. on Thursday, it received a distress report that suspected Fulani men attacked farmers who were applying local fertiliser on their farm at the outskirts of Lanzai, Lanzai Community, Darazo LGA.
The statement noted that in a reprisal attack, angry youths from Lanzai Community mobilised and proceeded to Dosho Village, a Fulani settlement, where they set fire to the area.
“About 50 huts were razed, and several household goods were destroyed in the process,” the police said.
“The incident led to the death of seven persons, while six people sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. Extensive damage was also recorded on residential structures and personal belongings.
“Upon receipt of the report, tactical operatives were immediately deployed to the affected areas to restore law and order, prevent further escalation, and commence investigations. The Violent Crime Response Unit has been deployed as reinforcement to maintain peace, while patrols have been intensified in Lanzai, Dosho, and adjoining communities.
“The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, has directed a thorough investigation into both the immediate and remote causes of the incident. He assured that perpetrators of the initial attack and those responsible for the reprisal will be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“CP Aliyu further appealed to community leaders and residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring justice for all parties involved.”
This clash came amid reports in May that the state government had unveiled a “Right of Way” policy aimed at addressing persistent clashes between farmers and herders and strengthening peaceful coexistence across the state.
The policy received the endorsement of stakeholders drawn from both farming and pastoral communities.
According to a report by The , the State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Bala Lukshi, said the initiative was designed to foster harmony and safeguard agricultural productivity.