Peace returns to Bogoro LGA as Bauchi govt mediates farmer-herder dispute

… Bauchi govt compensates bereaved family, return seized herds

Peace has returned to the Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State following government-led mediation to resolve a deadly farmer-herder clash.

Tensions flared after 40-year-old Irmiya Yohanna was killed by suspected herders who allegedly destroyed his farm in Kaduna-Bogoro village. The killing triggered reprisal attacks by local youths, leading to the slaughter of several cattle and sheep belonging to Fulani herders.

To prevent the crisis from escalating, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed dispatched a delegation led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Isa Babayo Tilde, to meet with both parties. The delegation offered condolences to the victim’s family and pledged government support for those who lost loved ones and livestock.

The state government also returned 249 rescued cattle to the Fulani community and promised compensation for affected families. The Governor emphasised mutual respect between farmers and herders as key to lasting peace, while security agencies, led by Commissioner of Police Sani Aliyu Omolori, urged residents to remain calm and report suspicious activities.

The governor was represented by Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Isa Babayo Tilde, who praised both parties for their efforts to quell the incident.

He announced that the government will support the bereaved family as well as those who lost livestock in the fiery incident, just as he lauded the swift response of the State Police Command, which prevented the situation from spiralling into further chaos.

Bala Mohammed emphasised the importance of mutual respect between herders and farmers for peaceful coexistence and the sustainability of their livelihoods.

Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani Aliyu Omolori, disclosed that the police rescued about 249 cows and arrested one Ahmadu Mairiga as investigations continue.

Omolori urged the residents to stay calm, abide by the law, and report any suspicious activities to the police.

Representatives of the Fulani community and the village head commended Governor Bala for his prompt intervention and pledged to take proactive measures to sustain peace.

The team earlier visited the victim’s family to extend the state government’s condolences.

The governor pledged that families affected would receive assistance, including support for the children left behind by the deceased.

Additionally, aid will be provided to the Fulani community to compensate for the loss of livestock and farm produce.

Chairperson of Bogoro Local Government Area, Lawi Sumi, acknowledged the governor’s concern and noted that normalcy has returned to the area thanks to the collaborative efforts of the government and security forces.

Community leaders, including Ardo Saidu of the Fulani community, expressed their gratitude to the security agents and the state government for their support, describing the incident as a tragic occurrence that must be addressed.

Ardo of the Fulani, Sai’du, thanked the government of Bauchi State for the swift response to the situation, saying that he has become an indigene of the area because his grandfather, father and himself were all born there, adding that his family, wealth are in Bogoro.

He said that they are having some challenges between the herdsmen and farmers because “We have never seen Fulani to be many in Bogoro like this year.”

He further said the reason why herdsmen are in Bogoro is because of living peacefully with one another, and there’s not enough space for their cows to graze.

The village head of Bogoro, Nuhu Tafida, highlighted the integral role of peace in development and called upon the community to reject violence to foster sustainable growth.

Ward head of Kaduna village and elder brother of the deceased, Emmanuel Bulus, thanked Governor Bala for the condolence visit and advocated justice for Irmiya Yohanna’s family.

In a gesture of support, Hon. Isah Babayo Tilde and the Commissioner of Police officially handed over herds of cattle to the Fulani community, aiming to strengthen relationships and promote unity in the region.

On his part, the youth leader of the local government, Yawa Habila, expressed appreciation to the state government for the quick response to what happened to one of them.

He said that, “In Bogoro Local Government, we don’t have anything other than our farms, we are not farming in order to provoke anybody, and we don’t want anybody to provoke us.”

The youth leader appealed to his people to be patient and give the government the benefit of the doubt to see what changes it brings to the situation.

Recall that on Friday, tension arose in the Bogoro Local Government Area due to clashes between herders and farmers, resulting in the tragic loss of Irmiya Yohanna, a 40-year-old resident of Kaduna Village, along with the loss of several cattle and sheep.

In response to this incident, the Nigerian Police and other security agencies intervened to help diffuse the escalating situation.

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