3 killed in Niger farmland clash

  At least three farmers have been confirmed dead following a violent clash over farmland between Gonna and Katambako villages in the Etsu-Audu District of Gbako Local Government Area of Niger State. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, also reportedly left several animals, including rams and goats meant for Sallah celebrations, dead during the […]

At least three farmers have been confirmed dead following a violent clash over farmland between Gonna and Katambako villages in the Etsu-Audu District of Gbako Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, also reportedly left several animals, including rams and goats meant for Sallah celebrations, dead during the violence.
Sources said the dispute, which has lingered for more than 20 years between the two communities, resurfaced during a reconciliation meeting led by representatives of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.
The peace meeting was reportedly ongoing when tensions escalated, leading to a breakdown of order and subsequent violence.
Seven persons, including the Chief Imam of Katambako, are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, for injuries sustained during the clash.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said three persons lost their lives while seven others sustained injuries.
He said police operatives attached to the Lemu Division were deployed to the scene immediately after the report was received.
Abiodun added that normalcy had since been restored in the affected communities, while security operatives had been deployed to prevent any reprisal attack.
He also disclosed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.