(Bauchi Herders. Photo by African Independence TV)
Seven people have been killed and dozens of homes destroyed following violent clashes between farmers and herders in Lanzai and Dosho communities of Darazo Local Government Area, Bauchi State.
The Bauchi State Police Command, in a statement by its spokesperson Nafiu Habib, said the violence began on June 4 at around 9:20 a.m. when suspected Fulani men attacked farmers who were applying local fertilizer on their farmland at the outskirts of Lanzai community.
In retaliation, youths from Lanzai mobilized and stormed Dosho Village, a Fulani settlement, setting it ablaze.
Approximately 50 huts were razed and numerous household belongings destroyed in the reprisal attack.
Seven people lost their lives in the violence, while six others sustained injuries of varying degrees and are currently receiving medical attention.
Significant damage was recorded to residential structures and personal property.
Upon receiving distress reports, the police deployed tactical operatives to the affected areas to restore order and prevent further escalation.
The Violent Crime Response Unit has since been deployed as reinforcement, with patrols intensified across Lanzai, Dosho, and neighboring communities.
Normalcy has since been restored, according to the command.
Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu has directed a thorough investigation into both the immediate and underlying causes of the incident, assuring that those responsible for both the initial attack and the reprisal will be identified and prosecuted.
He also appealed to community leaders and residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.