Eight Killed, Five Rescued in Fresh Farmers-Herders Clash in Kebbi

At least eight people have been killed and five others rescued following a violent clash between farmers and herders in Kebbi State, according to the police.

The incident occurred in Gulma town, Argungu Local Government Area, where tensions reportedly escalated after a herder’s cattle strayed into a farmland and destroyed crops belonging to a farmer.

Police spokesperson in the state, SP Bashir Usman, said the confrontation began when the farmer, identified as Alhaji Aminu Ala, allegedly clashed with a herder over the damage. The situation turned deadly when the farmer was reportedly stabbed in the neck and died on the spot.

The killing sparked a reprisal attack, with members of the farming community allegedly mobilising and attacking nearby herders. In the ensuing violence, several people were killed and properties destroyed.

Usman confirmed that one farmer and seven herders were among those killed during the unrest. He added that security operatives intervened to restore order and successfully rescued five persons, including a woman, from the scene.

According to him, the rescued individuals were taken into protective custody while efforts continued to stabilise the affected area. Additional security personnel have since been deployed to prevent further escalation.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing into the incident, which has once again highlighted the recurring tensions between farming and herding communities in parts of northern Nigeria.