Two farmers were killed, and crops were destroyed after herders attacked Powushi and Kalindi villages in Gombe State’s Billiri County.
Residents say the violence began Monday when herders allegedly robbed a Kalindi farmer of his motorcycle. “The herders attacked the man and stole his motorcycle,” said Christina Anthony, a local. “After he shared his experience, some youths from the community tracked the herders and recovered the stolen bike.”
Tensions escalated Wednesday when herders returned, attacking Powushi in the afternoon and Kalindi at night. “They invaded Powushi, set farm produce on fire, and killed one person,” said Adams Mailaka, another resident. “Then, they continued in Kalindi and killed another.”
Locals criticized security forces for their slow response. A local, Amos Danbauchi, said the police only showed up after someone was sent to make a report. “Upon their arrival, the operatives merely observed the situation without taking decisive action,” Danbauchi added.
While police divisional crime officer Garba Sambo said officers had been deployed to the area, frightened residents have fled to nearby villages for safety.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
