Tensions as farmers and herders clash in Gombe, two dead, crops destroyed

• Clash between farmers and herdsmen in Powushi and Kalindi villages of Gombe State has resulted in the death of two people
• According to reports, the conflict started after herdsmen stole a motorcycle from a local farmer, the villagers retrieved the bike, but the herdsmen came back to attack the villagers, leading to violence and fear
• The Gombe State Police Command has not yet issued an official statement but the attack has resulted in the destruction of agricultural produce in the communities, further exacerbating the plight of residents

Legit.ng Journalist Esther Odili has more than two years of experience reporting on political parties and movements.

Two people were killed in two days of violent clashes between farmers and herdsmen in Powushi and Kalindi villages in Billiri Local Government Area of ​​Gombe State.

According to residents of the affected communities, the attack also led to the destruction of vital agricultural products.

A resident of the area, Christina Anthony, revealed to Premium Times in a telephone interview that the conflict began on Monday, December 9, when a group of herdsmen robbed a resident of Kalindi who was riding his motorcycle to his farm.

“The herdsmen attacked the man and stole his motorbike. After returning home, he shared his harrowing experience with the youth in the community.

“A group of locals tracked down the herdsmen and recovered the stolen bike. However, the situation escalated dramatically when the herdsmen returned on Wednesday and attacked the villagers,” she said.

Deaths have been recorded in clashes between herdsmen and farmers

Another resident, Adams Mailaka, also told this reporter that the violence started in Powushi on Wednesday and then spread to Kalindi, resulting in the death of two persons.

According to the local resident, the deceased victim named Yusuf Akwara was a 35-year-old man simply called Gad.

Mr Mailaka further said many residents of Powushi and Kalindi had fled to seek refuge in surrounding villages as fear and insecurity gripped the area.

However, residents called for stricter security measures.

Police respond to attack in Gombe

Meanwhile, Ahmed Sanda, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Billiri LGA declined to comment on the attack at the time of writing.

However, the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), Garba Sambo, said the police had deployed officers to the area.

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In a different development Legit.ng reported that Peter Obi raised the alarm about increasing insecurity in Nigeria while responding to recent terrorist attacks.

On Thursday, Obi warned that increasing insecurity coupled with economic challenges is endangering Nigeria and called on President Tinubu’s government to act before the country suffers irreparable damage.

Following the abduction of three employees from the Innoson showroom in Anambra and the killing of 30 residents in Benue State, Obi called for increased security measures and immediate rescue operations.

Source: Legit.ng