Policeman, monarch’s son killed in farmers-herders clash in Gombe

Tension has erupted in Komi District of Funakaye Local Government Area in Gombe State, where a clash between farmers and herders has reportedly claimed at least two lives and left several others injured.

According to police sources, the conflict began on Sunday following a dispute that quickly escalated, drawing in youths from surrounding communities and turning into a violent confrontation.

Among the casualties was 27-year-old Mohammed Jibrin, the son of the district head of Komi. He was rushed to the General Hospital in Biri, Nafada Local Government Area, after sustaining severe injuries during the fracas, but sadly passed away while receiving treatment.

The Gombe State Police spokesman, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, told our correspondent that three other farmers and one herder suffered minor injuries. He added that policemen and local vigilante units were mobilised to restore order, but that the situation deteriorated when groups of youths, some allegedly from Dukku and Kwami local government areas, confronted security operatives upon arrival.

“When the police and other local vigilantes were mobilised to the scene, youths, including those allegedly from neighbouring LGs – Dukku and Kwami – attacked and killed one of the police officers,” DSP Abdullahi said.

The police spokesman also said they had arrested 17 suspects in connection with the violence, and that calm had been restored to the area.

Farmers in the area frequently complained of encroachment, crop destruction, and competition over grazing paths by herders.

DSP Abdullahi added investigations were ongoing, urging residents to remain calm and to provide information that might assist the Police probe.

(Leadership)