Fresh tension has gripped communities in Bauchi State following a violent clash between farmers and herders on Thursday, June 4. The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed that at least seven people were killed, six others injured, and dozens of homes destroyed in the attacks that occurred in Lanzai and Dosho communities in the Darazo Local Government Area.
Police Confirm Incident
Nafiu Habib, the police public relations officer, stated that a distress call was received at about 9:20 am reporting that suspected Fulani herders had attacked farmers applying local fertilizer on their farmland on the outskirts of Lanzai. The attack triggered a reprisal by youths from Lanzai who stormed Dosho, a Fulani settlement, setting about 50 huts ablaze and destroying household items.
Habib's statement read in part: “The incident resulted in the death of seven persons, while six others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical treatment.” He added that police operatives have restored normalcy in the affected areas.
Public Reactions
The clash has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians. Umar Haruna Abban Muhibbat blamed Fulani herders for insecurity in the north, stating: “Fulani are the problem of security in the north.” Joseph Thompson condemned open grazing, calling for modern livestock management. Samuel Owino urged state governments to designate specific areas for farming and herding to reduce deaths. Simon Salisu suggested the attack might be the work of terrorists or bandits, not a farmers-herders clash.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between farming and herding communities in Nigeria, despite efforts by authorities to find lasting solutions.
