Protests Erupt in Adamawa Over Death Sentence of Sunday Jackson, Farmer Who Killed Herder in Self Defence After an Attack on His Farm

Protests have begun in Numan, Adamawa State, following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the death sentence of Sunday Jackson, a local farmer convicted of killing a Fulani herder in what many believe was self-defence.

The ruling has sparked outrage across the country, with human rights groups and residents condemning it as a miscarriage of justice. The protests began on Saturday, and hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets, demanding a verdict review.

Jackson’s ordeal began seven years ago when an altercation broke out on his farm between him and a Fulani herder, Ardo Bawuro. Reports indicate that Bawuro, allegedly armed with a knife, attempted to attack Jackson, who managed to overpower him, leading to the herder’s death.

Despite claims of self-defence, an Adamawa High Court sentenced Jackson to death in 2021, a decision later upheld by the Court of Appeal and, most recently, by the Supreme Court on March 7, 2025. The court ruled that Jackson had the opportunity to flee rather than retaliate, a stance that critics argue ignores the realities of farmer-herder issues in the region.

However, several rights groups have condemned the ruling, calling for an urgent review of the case. Ngozi Molokwu, CEO of Injustice Is Real, questioned the credibility of the evidence presented in court, particularly Jackson’s confession.

I am deeply saddened by the case of the herdsman and the farmer, and I want to use this opportunity to urge the judiciary to revisit this case. Has reasonable doubt been proved here? Has the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the farmer was guilty of murder? They relied on his confession. A confession that the police officer took,” Molokwu told punch.

Similarly, Alex Omotehinse, head of the Centre for Human and Socioeconomic Rights, expressed disappointment, stating that the judgment had eroded hope for ordinary Nigerians seeking justice.

“This is a clear miscarriage of justice. Jackson should not have been charged with murder. At most, it should have been manslaughter,” Omotehinse said.

Reports suggest the herder stabbed him twice before Jackson managed to retrieve the knife to defend himself. In any other country, this would be seen as self-defence, he told Punch.

Farmer-Herder Crisis in Nigeria 

Jackson’s case has reignited concerns over Nigeria’s persistent conflict between farmers and herders. Adamawa State, like many parts of the country, has witnessed violent confrontations between the two groups for decades. In November 2017, over 27 people, including women and children, were killed in a single night of violent attacks on farmers in Safere and Kodomti villages, both located in Numan Local Government Area.

However, recent cases of killings and chaos have painted a more bitter story. Communities across Ondo, Benue, Nasarawa, and Edo states are grappling with the aftermath of a series of deadly attacks by suspected armed herders, resulting in at least 30 deaths and multiple abductions. The violence has triggered widespread outrage, protests, and calls for urgent government intervention.

Ondo: Surveyors Kidnapped, Villagers Killed

In Ondo State, nine surveyors were reportedly kidnapped, while two other residents were abducted, and four sustained gun and machete wounds.

Armed attackers stormed several communities in Akure North Local Government Area, including Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun, leaving a trail of destruction. At least 14 bodies have been recovered so far, with reports suggesting that as many as 20 villagers may have been killed.

Angered by the violence, women in Akure took to the streets in protest, demanding immediate action from the government.

Benue: Civil Protection Guards Ambushed

In Benue State, violent protests erupted in Naka, headquarters of Gwer West Local Government, after suspected herders ambushed and killed three members of the state’s Civil Protection Guards. The discovery of their bodies on Tuesday morning ignited outrage, with furious youths setting fire to the palace of the local traditional ruler and parts of the local government secretariat.

The recent surge in herder-related attacks has intensified concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s rural communities. Clashes between farmers and herders have long plagued the country, with increasing reports of killings, kidnappings, and destruction of farmlands.

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