Soldier Killed Trying To Mediate In Farmers/Herders Clash In Jigawa

By Mohammed Abubakar, Dutse

Suspected gunmen have killed a soldier while maintaining peace between farmers and herders in a community under Guri Local Government Area, northeast of Jigawa state.

The suspected attackers, said to be Fulani herders also took away his rifle.

Reports from the soldier, Danlami Danjuma, a sergeant, was among the soldiers who responded to a distress call to the Gagiya community where herders reportedly encroached farmland.

Already the security agencies, in collaboration with the locals, have launched a search for the missing rifle.

The local government chairman, Musa Muhammad, who confirmed development told reporters in Dutse that all the stakeholders, including the local government authorities, the traditional institution, the security sector and even the Fulani community have condemned the incident and begun the search for the missing rifle.

“He (the soldier) died in the line of duty, they were there to prevent a fight between the farmers and herders unfortunately, he was killed.

“The herders are desperate in search of pasture following the devastating effects of flooding on the grazing areas and farmlands, the soldiers rush to the scene to quell tension after herders encroached farmland, the council chairman said.

The local government boss added that the suspected criminals are believed to be a group of strange herders who visit the area annually in search of pasture, he said the security agencies are investigating the incident.

He, however, assured that his council was collaborating with all the necessary stakeholders in ensuring that area remains calm and calked on the local desist from taking the laws into their hands, while authorities

Guri and neighbouring Kirikasamma council areas in Jigawa have become the epicenter of farmers/herders clashes due to fertile land suitable for farming and grazing.

Control of the lush land has led to bloody conflicts between farmers and herders over the years. Besides, the two local governments also share common border with Yobe state.