Seven dead, 50 huts destroyed in Bauchi farmers and herders fight

Seven people have died, and about 50 huts have been destroyed after a violent clash between farmers and suspected herders in Lanzai and Dosho communities of Darazo Local Government Area, Bauchi State.

The state police command announced this in a statement by its spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, on Thursday. Six other people were injured, leading to the deployment of tactical operatives to restore order and stop further violence.

The police said that around 9 a.m. on Thursday, they got a distress call about suspected Fulani men attacking farmers who were using local fertilizer on their farms at the outskirts of Lanzai. This took place in the Lanzai Community, Darazo LGA.

The statement explained that after the attack, angry youths from Lanzai Community gathered and went 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."

After they received the report, tactical operatives were sent to the affected areas to restore law and order, prevent more violence, and start investigations. The Violent Crime Response Unit has also been sent as reinforcement to help maintain peace. Patrols have been increased in Lanzai, Dosho, and nearby communities.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, has ordered a thorough investigation into both the immediate and remote causes of the incident. He promised that those who carried out the initial attack and those responsible for the reprisal would be found and prosecuted according to the law.

CP Aliyu also asked community leaders and residents to stay calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands. He assured everyone that the command is committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring justice for all involved.

This clash happened after reports in May that the state government had launched a "Right of Way" policy to tackle ongoing clashes between farmers and herders while promoting peaceful living across the state.

The policy had the support of stakeholders from both farming and pastoral communities.

According to a report by The PUNCH, the State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Bala Lukshi, said the initiative aimed to promote harmony and protect agricultural productivity.