Reps call for arrest of those responsible as Bauchi farmer‑herder clash takes lives

By Gift ChapiOdekina

The House of Representatives has called for an immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible for a deadly clash between farmers and herders in Lanzai and the neighbouring Dosho communities, located in Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The confrontation, which occurred last Wednesday, claimed nine lives and left dozens of homes and livelihoods destroyed.

The motion, which was presented by Mansur Manu Soro, the member for Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, was debated at the House plenary on Wednesday. Soro highlighted the violence that led to the loss of nine lives, the burning of about fifty residential huts, and the displacement of many families.

He noted that the incident “displaced numerous families, exposed vulnerable persons comprising women, children and the elderly to severe humanitarian conditions and heightened tension among affected communities.” The House also expressed concern that the violence had exacerbated humanitarian challenges in the area.

Members lamented the recurring nature of farmers‑herders conflicts across the country, warning that such clashes threaten national security, food production and economic growth. The House observed that persistent violence “continues to undermine national security, agricultural productivity and economic development.”

In its resolution, the House urged the Inspector‑General of Police to deploy sufficient investigative and intelligence resources to the affected communities, with the aim of identifying, apprehending and prosecuting all parties involved. It also called on the Director‑General of the Department of State Services to “intensify intelligence gathering, threat assessment and early warning operations in the area to prevent further attacks and reprisals.”

Recognising the humanitarian impact, the House appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency and the North‑East Development Commission to provide immediate relief materials, temporary shelter, food supplies, medical assistance and psychosocial support to victims. Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government, through the NED, to support the reconstruction of homes, community facilities and livelihoods destroyed during the crisis.

To address the root causes of the conflict, the House called on the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to accelerate the implementation of sustainable livestock‑management policies, grazing‑control measures, ranching initiatives and dispute‑resolution frameworks in the area.

The House subsequently tasked its Committees on Police Affairs, National Security and Intelligence, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, and the North‑East Development Commission to monitor compliance with its resolutions and report back within six weeks.

Farmers‑herders conflicts remain one of Nigeria’s most persistent security challenges, especially in agrarian communities where disputes over land use, grazing routes and access to water resources often erupt into violence. These clashes have led to loss of life, displacement of communities and disruptions to agricultural activities, posing a significant threat to food security and rural development.

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