A clash between farmers and herders claimed the lives of seven people while six others were injured yesterday in Lanzai and Dosho communities of Darazo local government area of Bauchi State.
As a result, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed visited Lanzai to commiserate with victims.
He described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable, noting that lives were lost and properties were destroyed in the conflict that involved people of the same ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The governor announced the constitution of a committee to investigate the causes of the crisis and identify those responsible.
He warned residents against taking the law into their hands and stressed that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.
He directed security agencies to maintain a strong presence in the affected communities while the government works towards restoring lasting peace.
He further announced the donation of relief materials to victims and called on traditional rulers, family heads and community leaders to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Police spokesman SP Nafiu Habib said on Thursday that the command had received a distress report that suspected Fulani men attacked farmers who were applying fertiliser on their farmlands on the outskirts of Lanzai community.
He explained that in a reprisal, youths from Lanzai mobilised and proceeded to Dosho village, a Fulani settlement, where they set parts ablaze. About 50 huts were razed, while several household items were destroyed.
“The incident led to the death of seven persons, while six others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. Extensive damage was also recorded on residential structures and personal belongings. Upon receipt of the report, tactical operatives were immediately deployed to the affected areas to restore law and order, prevent further escalation, and commence investigations,” he said.
He added that the Violent Crime Response Unit had been deployed as reinforcement to maintain peace, while patrols had been intensified in Lanzai, Dosho and adjoining communities.
Speaking during a visit, the commissioner of police, Sani Aliyu-Omolori, said the clash could have been prevented through stronger cooperation between security agencies and community stakeholders.
He said security operatives had restored calm and would sustain deployments until normalcy is fully restored.
The Emir of Darazo, Alhaji Ibrahim Babayo Bababa, cautioned residents against taking the law into their hands, while the district head of Lanzai appealed for peace.
