Several farmers were injured in a clash with cattle herders in the Hayin Kogi forest, located in the Birninkudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The incident occurred at 5:00 PM on Sunday while farmers cleared bushes in preparation for the wet season.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu, the attack was carried out by herders from the Waza Fulani settlements.
During the confrontation, some farmers managed to escape but had to abandon their tricycles, phones, and farm implements.
Upon receiving the report, officers from a nearby police division were mobilised to the scene. The police reported that a 42-year-old man and four others sustained injuries and were transported to the Dutse General Hospital for treatment.
They have since been discharged. The abandoned belongings of the farmers were recovered and returned to them.
According to the Police, efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
DSP Shiisu assured that normalcy has been restored in the area. To prevent further conflicts, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmadu Abdullahi, organised a stakeholders’ meeting and directed the arrest of the culprits.
The Area Commander of Birninkudu and the Divisional Police Officers of Birninkudu and Kiyawa have been instructed to hold further stakeholder meetings to calm tensions and prevent any breach of peace in the region.