Eight Killed In Gulma Clash: Kebbi Govt Assures Victims Families Of Justice

In a move aimed at easing tensions following the recent farmers-herders violence in Gulma, Argungu Local Government Area, the Kebbi State Government has vowed to prosecute those behind the killings and strengthen security measures to forestall a recurrence.

Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida gave the assurance on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris during a condolence visit to the community following Monday's bloodshed.

The deputy governor led a high-powered government delegation to sympathise with affected families and residents of Gulma over the tragedy.

Speaking at the Emir's Palace in Argungu before funeral prayers for the victims, Tafida conveyed the governor's condolences and assured residents that the state government would pursue accountability.

He urged the bereaved families to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out investigations into the incident.

The deputy governor also encouraged the community to endure the loss with patience and faith while assuring them that measures were already being taken to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence.

According to accounts from local authorities, the crisis began when a herder allegedly allowed cattle to stray into the farmland of a farmer identified as Alhaji Aminu Ala, resulting in the destruction of crops. The incident reportedly led to a confrontation between the farmer and the herder.

During the altercation, the farmer was allegedly stabbed in the neck and died from his injuries. The killing triggered outrage among residents, who reportedly mobilised and attacked the herder, killing him and setting his body ablaze.

The violence subsequently escalated into wider attacks involving members of the affected communities. Despite efforts by security personnel to contain the unrest, four additional people were killed during the violence.

Authorities later recovered two more bodies from farmland on the outskirts of Gulma town, bringing the total number of fatalities to eight.

Police authorities said those killed included one farmer and seven herders.

Security operatives were, however, able to rescue five persons, including a woman, who became trapped during the violence. The rescued individuals were evacuated to the Argungu Divisional Police Headquarters for protection.

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, described the incident as one of the most tragic events in the history of the emirate.

Speaking while receiving leaders of the Fulani community who visited to commiserate with him, the monarch condemned the killings and appealed for calm.

He assured residents that justice would be served and urged all parties to cooperate with security agencies investigating the incident.

The emir also called for peaceful coexistence among farmers and herders, stressing the importance of preserving longstanding communal relationships.

Leaders of the Fulani community expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with neighbouring communities.

They urged residents not to allow the violence to undermine years of coexistence and mutual cooperation.

Meanwhile, a joint security team comprising police personnel and other security agencies has been deployed to the area to prevent further violence.

Authorities said security patrols and surveillance operations have been intensified across affected communities.

The state government also announced additional measures aimed at restoring peace and preventing a recurrence of the conflict.

Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for the killings, while security agencies continue efforts to apprehend suspects linked to the violence.

Officials said normalcy is gradually returning to Gulma and surrounding communities as security presence remains visible across the area.