Two days of violent clashes between farmers and cattle herders in Powushi and Kalindi villages in the Billiri local government area of Gombe state resulted in the death of two persons.
According to residents in the affected communities, the attack has also led to the destruction of vital agricultural produce.
A resident of the area, Christina Anthony, disclosed to Premium Times in a telephone interview that the conflict began on Monday, December 9, when a group of herders robbed a resident of Kalindi who was riding his motorcycle to his farm.
“The herders attacked the man and stole his motorcycle. After he returned home, he shared his harrowing experience with the youth in the community.
“A group of locals tracked the herders and recovered the stolen bike. However, the situation escalated dramatically when the herders returned on Wednesday and attacked the villagers,” she said.
Deaths recorded as herders-farmers clash
Another resident, Adams Mailaka, also told this reporter that the violence on Wednesday began at Powushi before extending to Kalindi, leading to the death of two individuals.
According to the resident, the deceased victims named Yusuf Akwara was age 35, and a 30-year-old man, simply called Gad.
Speaking further, Mr Mailaka said many residents had fled Powushi and Kalindi to seek refuge in nearby villages as fear and uncertainty gripped the area.
However, residents have called for a stronger security measures.
Police react to attack in Gombe
Meanwhile, as of the time of filling this report, Ahmed Sanda, the divisional police officer (DPO) in charge of Billiri LGA, declined to comment on the attack.
However, the divisional crime officer (DCO), Garba Sambo, said the police had deployed officers to the area.
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Benue, Anambra attacks: Peter Obi decries rising insecurity
In another development, Legit reported that Peter Obi raised an alarm over rising insecurity in Nigeria while reacting to recent terrorist attacks.
On Thursday, Obi warned that the rising insecurity, coupled with economic challenges, is putting Nigeria at risk, urging the government led by President Tinubu to act before the country is irreparably damaged.
Following the kidnapping of three employees from Innoson’s showroom in Anambra and the killing of 30 residents in Benue state, Obi called for enhanced security measures and immediate rescue efforts.
