Tension gripped Kaduna-Bogoro, a community in Bogoro local government area of Bauchi State, on Friday, over the killing of a farmer which sparked violent reprisal attacks on livestock, leaving dozens of cattle slaughtered.
Confirming the incident to reporters, spokesperson of Bauchi Police Command, CSP Ahmed Wakil said the unrest began in the early hours of Friday when the Command received a distress report from the village head of Kaduna-Bogoro, Emmanuel Bulus.
Bulus had reported that a 40-year-old farmer, Irmiya Yohanna, had gone to his farm the previous day and failed to return.
“A search party later discovered his lifeless body lying on his farm. Police officers led by Divisional Police Officer SP Fitoka Golda moved the body to the Bogoro General Hospital, where a doctor confirmed him dead,” he said.
Wakil explained that Yohanna was killed after confronting cattle herders whose cattle had strayed into his farm.
“The encounter reportedly turned violent, leading to his death. In retaliation, angry locals stormed grazing areas around the village, stabbing and killing about 20 cows and 19 sheep, while several other animals were injured,” he said.
He added that Police rescued approximately 249 cows from further harm and arrested one suspect, identified as Ahmadu Mairiga, in connection with the farmer’s death.
The PPRO said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu has visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and had a meeting with the chairman of the local government, Fulani leaders, traditional rulers, and community elders.
CP Aliyu also appealed for calm and urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“We assure you that justice will be served accordingly,” the CP said, warning against further breach of the peace.
