Many Feared Killed In Kogi Farmers/Herders’ Clash

Several people have been killed in a deadly clash between farmers and herdsmen in Isanlu, the headquarters of Yagba East local government area of Kogi State.

LEADERSHIP gathered that violence erupted on Friday after a farmer was ambushed and killed on his way to his farmland.

His decomposing body was found on Sunday evening after engaging local hunters and vigilantes to search the neighbouring bushes.

While confirming the incident, the council chairman, Hon Abdulrazaq Ijagbemi, said a group of herdsmen attacked a farmer on his way to the farm and killed him in the process.

He said, “The man was working on his farmland when a herder moved his herds of cows into his farmland. After destroying the farmland, the farmer arrested one of the cows and went to the police station to report the matter.

“He was asked to go and bring the cow and on his way some herdsmen ambushed him and his brother who fortunately escaped to inform the members of the community.”

The council boss added that the incident triggered a reprisal attack which led to the death of some herdsmen in the town.

His words, “Of course, you know that youths will be angry with the situation, but we didn’t record any further casualty on the part of the host communities.

“The crisis was serious because it happened on a market day when all the herdsmen came to the market and our people too were in there.

“After several efforts by the local hunters and villagers, his mutilated corpse was found in the bush after two days.”

No fewer than 15 motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla car belonging to the herdsmen were burnt while others scampered for safety.

The crisis kept economic activities on a standstill in Isanlu as most shops and market places are kept under keys.