Policeman, District Head’s Son Killed In Gombe Farmers-Herders Clash

A clash between farmers and herders in Komi District, Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, has left at least two people dead and several others injured, police sources said.

The skirmishes began on Sunday after a disagreement escalated into a fracas that drew in youths from neighbouring communities.

The clash resulted in the death of Mohammed Jibrin, 27, a son of the district head of Komi District, who was rushed to General Hospital Biri in Nafada LGA after sustaining serious injuries, but later died while receiving treatment.

The Gombe State Police spokesman, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, told LEADERSHIP that three other farmers and one herder suffered minor injuries. He added that policemen and local vigilante units were mobilised to restore order, but that the situation deteriorated when groups of youths, some allegedly from Dukku and Kwami local government areas, confronted security operatives upon arrival.

“When the police and other local vigilantes were mobilised to the scene, youths, including those allegedly from neighbouring LGs – Dukku and Kwami – attacked and killed one of the police officers,” DSP Abdullahi said.

The police spokesman also said they had arrested 17 suspects in connection with the violence, and that calm had been restored to the area.

Farmers in the area frequently complained of encroachment, crop destruction, and competition over grazing paths by herders.

DSP Abdullahi added investigations were ongoing, urging residents to remain calm and to provide information that might assist the Police probe.