Eight persons have been confirmed dead following a violent clash between farmers and herders in Gulma Town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, while police operatives rescued five individuals trapped during the unrest.
The Kebbi State Police Command disclosed that the incident occurred on Monday, June 22, 2026, at about 3:00 p.m., after a dispute erupted over alleged destruction of farmland by grazing cattle.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, a herder identified as Yaron Buba Dogo allegedly allowed his cattle to stray into the farmland of Alhaji Aminu Ala, causing damage to crops.
The disagreement reportedly escalated into violence, during which the farmer was fatally stabbed in the neck.
Police said the killing triggered outrage among residents, leading to a mob attack on the herder, who was killed and his body set ablaze. The violence subsequently spread, with members of the affected community coming under attack.
Despite efforts by security personnel to restore order, four additional persons were killed and their bodies burned beyond recognition. Two more corpses were later recovered from a farmland on the outskirts of Gulma Town, bringing the total death toll to eight—comprising one farmer and seven herders.
In the course of the crisis, police operatives rescued five persons, including a woman, who were trapped in the affected area and evacuated them to safety at the Argungu Police Station.
To prevent further escalation, a joint security team has been deployed to the community, while the state government has imposed a curfew on the area. Security patrols and surveillance operations have also been intensified as authorities work to restore lasting peace.
The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar M. Hadejia, assured residents that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all those involved in the killings.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies, stressing that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.
Authorities said normalcy is gradually returning to Gulma Town as security measures remain in place.
