Herders-farmers clash claims 5 in Niger

A violent clash between farmers and herders in Beji, Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, has reportedly claimed the lives of five people, including three siblings. The confrontation began on Monday after a farmer was found dead in his field, a day after he had complained about herders grazing their cattle on his crops. Residents […]

A violent clash between farmers and herders in Beji, Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, has reportedly claimed the lives of five people, including three siblings.

The confrontation began on Monday after a farmer was found dead in his field, a day after he had complained about herders grazing their cattle on his crops.

Residents told Daily Trust that the discovery of the farmer’s body on Tuesday sparked the conflict, heightening tensions in Beji town and surrounding areas, especially with the Beji weekly market scheduled for Wednesday.

Aliyu Mohammed, a resident, said the situation has caused significant fear within the community.

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“The crisis erupted after the body of a Gbagi farmer was found on his farm, leading to suspicions that he was killed by herders following his complaints about them damaging his crops.

“With the market day on Wednesday, there’s widespread anxiety because, in a similar incident in November 2023, six people lost their lives on a market day, and innocent traders were caught in the violence. We hope the authorities will act swiftly to prevent an escalation this time,” he said.

A Fulani man also said vigilantes had blocked the Minna-Zungeru Road, forcibly removing Fulani travellers from commercial vehicles, which has further fueled concerns.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated that he would provide details after gathering more information, but had not yet done so at the time of filing this report.