FARMERS–HERDERS CLASH: PMF PERSONNEL ATTACKED DURING RESPONSE — ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED, CATTLE RECOVERED

FARMERS–HERDERS CLASH: PMF PERSONNEL ATTACKED DURING RESPONSE — ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED, CATTLE RECOVERED

…AS CP REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CURBING FARMERS–HERDERS CONFLICT AND PROMOTING PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

By: Dungus Abdulkarim

On 29th October 2025 at about 1700hrs, a distress message was received from the Unit Commander, 19 PMF, who is on special duty at Bara, Gulani LGA, alongside men of 79 PMF Buni Yadi.

At about 1600hrs, while on patrol around Kojoli village, the officers received an urgent call from community members reporting that a group of herders had allegedly invaded rice farms with large herds of cattle, deliberately destroying crops.

Acting swiftly, the Unit Commander, led a team to the location. On arrival, the herders reportedly ambushed the officers and opened fire, using AK-47 rifles, bows and arrows, before fleeing into the bush.

During the tactical withdrawal, Sgt Abdullahi Aminu (19 PMF) and Cpl Aliyu Suleiman (79 PMF) were overpowered, disarmed, and attacked. After an exchange of fire, one rifle was recovered, while the service rifle assigned to Sgt Abdullahi Aminu was carted away by the fleeing suspects.

The officers sustained machete-cut injuries on their heads, arms, and legs and were immediately evacuated to General Hospital, Bara, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.

A large number of cattle belonging to the suspects were recovered at the scene and are being escorted back to Kojoli village by police and local vigilantes.

One suspect, Mohammed Bello, was arrested at the scene in possession of a blood-stained cutlass and is currently assisting the ongoing investigation.

Efforts are ongoing to recover the snatched rifle and apprehend all fleeing suspects.

While condemning the attack, the Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Ado psc, fdc, reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to:

✅ Mitigating farmers–herders clashes through proactive policing
✅ Strengthening stakeholder dialogue and non-violent conflict resolution mechanisms
✅ Protecting lives, farmlands, cattle, and public property without bias

He further directed a reinforced deployment of tactical teams to the area to prevent escalation and maintain peace.

“The Command will not tolerate violence, attacks on police personnel, destruction of farms, or criminal grazing. We are committed to peaceful coexistence and justice for all parties involved,” CP added

The CP urges farmers, herders, traditional rulers, and community leaders to remain calm and continue supporting the Police with credible information.

The Command appeals to all communities to:

Report disputes early to prevent escalation

Respect farm boundaries and grazing regulations

Avoid taking laws into their own hands

Security is a shared responsibility. Peace is possible when all parties cooperate.

SP Dungus Abdulkarim, MNIPR
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Nigeria Police Force
Yobe State Command
30 October 2025

FARMERS–HERDERS CLASH: PMF PERSONNEL ATTACKED DURING RESPONSE — ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED, CATTLE RECOVERED