Seven Dead, 50 Huts Destroyed in Bauchi Farmers-Herders Clash

Seven people have been killed and about 50 huts razed following a violent confrontation between farmers and suspected herders in the Lanzai and Dosho communities of Darazo Local Government Area, Bauchi State.

The state police command confirmed the incident on Thursday, stating that six other persons sustained various degrees of injuries. Tactical operatives have been deployed to restore order and prevent further escalation.

According to police reports, a distress call was received at about 9 a.m. on Thursday indicating that suspected Fulani men had attacked farmers who were applying local fertiliser on their farmland on the outskirts of Lanzai Community. In a reprisal, angry youths from Lanzai mobilised and proceeded to Dosho Village, a Fulani settlement, where they set fire to the area.

About 50 huts were razed, and several household goods were destroyed. The police confirmed that seven persons lost their lives, while six injured individuals are currently receiving medical attention. Extensive damage was also recorded on residential structures and personal belongings.

Upon receiving the report, tactical operatives were immediately deployed to the affected areas to restore law and order, prevent further escalation, and commence investigations. The Violent Crime Response Unit has been sent as reinforcement to maintain peace, while patrols have been intensified in Lanzai, Dosho, and adjoining communities.

The Commissioner of Police has directed a thorough investigation into both the immediate and remote causes of the incident. He assured that perpetrators of the initial attack and those responsible for the reprisal will be identified and prosecuted accordingly. He also appealed to community leaders and residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

This clash comes barely a month after the state government unveiled a “Right of Way” policy aimed at addressing persistent farmers-herder conflicts and strengthening peaceful coexistence across the state.