Suspected Herdsmen Kill Forestry Officer In Nasarawa

A member of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Lawrence Cletus, has been killed by suspected herdsmen in Nasarawa State.

Cletus, 39, was killed on Sunday in Ome community, Jenkwe Development Area in Obi local government area.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 5:30 pm on a farm close to the riverbank in the community.

Sources said the crisis started after residents reported the invasion of their farms by herders to the police outpost in Ome.

Following the report, operatives of the NFSS were said to have mobilised to the scene to effect an arrest.

An eyewitness said the deceased was chased, attacked and drowned in the river by the herders.

“I saw herdsmen rushing after him and I shouted to him to run for his life,” she said.

Residents were said to have recovered his body from the river after news of the incident spread in the community.

The divisional command officer of the NFSS in the community, Habib Isa, who confirmed the incident, said it had been reported to the divisional police station for investigation.

He said efforts were underway to arrest the perpetrators and appealed to residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities.

The village head of Ome community, Luka Zhemuga, condemned the killing and described it as sad and uncalled for.

He urged the residents to remain law-abiding as appropriate authorities had been informed.

It was learnt that the deceased is survived by two wives and five children.