By Hutson Efosa
The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of five suspects following a violent clash between farmers and herders in Bursali Village, Zaki Local Government Area, which led to the death of one person.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil, said the incident occurred on November 26 after herders from neighbouring Jigawa State allegedly trespassed on farmlands in the area and destroyed crops.
According to Wakil, the confrontation that followed between the herders and local farmers resulted in the death of one herder.
“This regrettable act precipitated a confrontation between the herders and community members, during which one herder was killed,” he said.
He added that the Divisional Police Officer of Zaki Division, SP Iliya Dogo, immediately deployed operatives to the scene upon receiving a distress call, leading to the arrest of five suspects. A preliminary investigation is ongoing to unravel the full circumstances of the clash.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a more detailed probe.
Aliyu assured residents of the Command’s readiness to maintain peace and prevent further unrest. He urged community members to avoid reprisals, noting that normalcy has been restored and officers have been stationed in the area to deter any further violence.
He added that the arrested suspects will be profiled and charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
