Police Commissioner express displeasure over farmer, herders clash in Yobe

Police Commissioner express displeasure over farmer, herders clash in Yobe

By: Our Reporter

The Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, has expressed displeasure over the recent incidents of farmland disputes and farmer/herder clashes in the state. The command recorded 14 incidents during the period under review, resulting in loss of lives and several hospitalizations.

A statement from DSP Dungus Abdul Karim said the Commissioner of Police calls for a reassessment of how farmlands are allocated to farmers by local authorities, especially as the farming season approaches. The command is currently investigating an incident that claimed one life and left several others hospitalized. Suspects allegedly claim trespass and unlawful cultivation and resort to illegal and arbitrary means to evict intruders.

“On July 1, 2024, personnel from the Nangere Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended Mohammed Bulama (aka Mai Zarma), 65, the Village Head of Gazarkuma Village, Nangere LGA. He mobilized a gang of youth with deadly objects, including knives, cutlasses, bows, and arrows, and attacked a farmland belonging to Maigari Mato 65, at Gubate Village The attack resulted in the death of a tractor driver, Mohammed Kabiru, 35, and grievous injuries to Hassan Lawan.” The statement said.

In a similar vein, on June 26, 2024, at about 1600hr, police in Damagum arrested Abduwahab Abubakar, 40, and four other suspects for conspiring and attacking Hussaini Lawan Sani, 45, of Goba Abba Village. The assailants, carrying dangerous objects, attacked and robbed the victim of N250,000.00. The suspects are currently behind bars, and a discreet investigation is ongoing at the State CID.

“The recurring incidents are attributed to a lack of early reporting of aggressive trespass, previous unsettled disputes, and informal arrangements in allocating farmlands. Criminally minded community members are taking the law into their hands for ulterior motives. The command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute culprits.” The statement added.

The Commissioner of Police further urges local authorities to address issues of farmland disputes and farmer/herder clashes by organizing seasonal community engagement to facilitate a long-lasting, peaceful partnership between farmers and herders. The command is equally committed to addressing agro-related conflict issues through designed programs for parties at various LGAs.

The Divisional Police Headquarters are directed to:

Encourage early referral of disputes

• Organize monthly community engagement of farm owners and herders
• Ensure robust surveillance on mischievous elements

He reiterated that mob action is a crime, and individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court. Any assault on a person suspected of committing a crime or being arrested after committing a crime is a violation of human rights. He appreciates the public’s cooperation and urges them to continue reporting incidents to the authorities.

Police Commissioner express displeasure over farmer, herders clash in Yobe