Man kills replacement herder in Niger over job loss

By Zagazola Makama

The Niger State Police Command has arrested a man for allegedly killing his replacement over a dispute linked to job loss in Malale village, Borgu Local Government Area.

According to a Police Sources, the incident occurred on April 30 at about 12:30 p.m. and was reported to the Malale Police Outstation by the village head, Mallam Musa Abubakar, and one Usman Iliyasu of Tungan-Sule.

Usman Iliyasu told police that he had employed Usman Mohammed as a cattle herder two years ago but sacked him in February 2025 after accusing him of stealing money while he was away on pilgrimage to Mecca.

Subsequently, Iliyasu hired one Ibrahim Salisu, 40, of the same address to replace him.

“The sacked herder, Usman Mohammed, reportedly attacked Ibrahim Salisu with a cutlass, inflicting fatal injuries and accusing him of taking over his job. The victim died on the spot,” said the police sources.

He said Police officers from the New-Bussa Division visited the scene, photographed the corpse, and evacuated it to the General Hospital, New-Bussa, for autopsy.

The suspect was immediately arrested, and an investigation is currently ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

Man kills replacement herder in Niger over job loss