Farmers-pastoralists’ clashes leave pregnant woman, 10 others dead in Nasarawa

Violent clashes between farmers and pastoralists in the Farin Duse community of Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, have left a pregnant woman and ten others dead. Residents said the conflict began when a Fulani herdsman, while grazing his cattle in the Farin Duse bush, attempted to cut down a mango tree to feed his […]

Violent clashes between farmers and pastoralists in the Farin Duse community of Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, have left a pregnant woman and ten others dead.

Residents said the conflict began when a Fulani herdsman, while grazing his cattle in the Farin Duse bush, attempted to cut down a mango tree to feed his cows.

They said a resident who witnessed the act confronted him, leading to a heated argument. The confrontation escalated, and the herdsman allegedly shot the local farmer at close range, killing him instantly.

A resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the crisis erupted around 6:00 am on Sunday and lasted until the afternoon of Tuesday, March 11, before security forces, including the Nigerian Police Force and the military, intervened to restore order.

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The source further stated that the entire Gwari community had been deserted following intense gunfire between the Fulani herdsmen and the locals.

He said the incident sparked widespread outrage, resulting in further bloodshed, including the death of a pregnant woman with her unborn child.

He also said over twenty houses were set ablaze during the unrest.

The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the deaths in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Nansel Rahman, on Wednesday.

The statement said one person and a pregnant woman were killed in the violent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and Gbagi farmers in Farin Duse.

The police spokesperson also said, “On March 10, 2025, at approximately 6:47 am, the District Head of Kurudu placed a distress call reporting another attack on Farin Dutse village by suspected herders, who set houses ablaze.

He said six corpses were recovered and several houses, shops, motorcycles, and a car were also vandalised in the attack.

He said the police command has since reinforced security in the area.