Kebbi Government Promises Justice After Farmers‑Herders Clash Kills Eight

The Kebbi State Government has vowed to deliver justice to the victims of the recent farmers‑herders clash in Gulma, Argungu Local Government Area, where eight people lost their lives.

Deputy Governor Umar Abubakar Tafida delivered the pledge while heading a state delegation to offer condolences to Gulma residents on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris.

Addressing the Emir’s Palace in Argungu prior to the funeral prayers, Tafida expressed the government’s sympathies to the bereaved families and promised that those who caused the violence would be held accountable.

He urged residents to stay calm and let security agencies conduct their investigations, and urged grieving families to endure the loss with patience.

The violence began on Monday following a dispute between a farmer and a herder over alleged crop damage caused by cattle.

Witnesses say the confrontation caused the farmer’s death after he was allegedly stabbed by the herder. The incident triggered reprisals that resulted in multiple fatalities and escalated community tensions.

Security agencies reported that the violence claimed eight lives, comprising the farmer and seven herders. Five individuals, one of whom was a woman, were rescued by security forces and brought to safety.

During the condolence visit, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, called the incident one of the most tragic events in the emirate’s history.

The monarch assured residents that justice would be pursued and urged all parties to maintain peace and refrain from actions that could heighten tensions.

He prayed for the repose of the deceased and called for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in the region.

A Fulani community representative expressed sorrow over the incident and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to peaceful relations with other residents.

Later, a funeral prayer for the victims was held at the Emir’s Palace.

Meanwhile, a joint security team of police and other agencies has been deployed to the area to prevent further violence and maintain law and order.

The state government said investigations are underway to identify and prosecute those involved in the killings and destruction, and that measures have been implemented to restore lasting peace in the community.