Yobe State Police Command has decried the spate of farmers/herders as well as farmland crises in the state that have claimed many innocent lives.
The Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, who expressed displeasure over the recent incidents of farmland disputes and farmer/herder clashes in the state, called for caution so that it will not degenerate.
The Command PPRO, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim in a statement on Sunday, stated that the command recorded 14 incidents during the period under review, resulting in loss of lives and several hospitalisations.
The Commissioner of Police, therefore, called for a reassessment of how farmlands are allocated to farmers by local authorities, especially as the farming season has come.
The PPRO stated that the command is currently investigating an incident that claimed one life and left several others hospitalised.
The suspects allegedly claimed trespass and unlawful cultivation and resorted to illegal and arbitrary means to evict the intruders.
He said, “On July 1, 2024, personnel from the Nangere Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended Mohammed Bulama (aka Mai Zarma), 65 years old, the Village Head of Gazarkuma Village, Nangere LGA.
“He (the village head) mobilized a gang of youths with deadly objects, including knives, cutlasses, bows, and arrows, and attacked a farmland belonging to Maigari Mato 65, at Gubate Village. The attack resulted in the death of a tractor driver, Mohammed Kabiru, 35, and grievous injuries to Hassan Lawan.
“Earlier on June 26, 2024, at about 1600hr, Police in Damagum arrested Abduwahab Abubakar, 40, and four other suspects for conspiring and attacking Hussaini Lawan Sani, 45, of Goba Abba Village.
WThe assailants, carrying dangerous objects, attacked and robbed the victim of N250,000.00. The suspects are currently behind bars, and a discreet investigation is ongoing at the State CID.
“The recurring incidents are attributed to a lack of early reporting of aggressive trespass, previous unsettled disputes, and informal arrangements in allocating farmland.
“Criminally-minded community members are taking the law into their hands for ulterior motives. The Command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute culprits.”
The Commissioner of Police further urged local authorities to address issues of farmland disputes and farmer/herder clashes by organizing seasonal community engagement to facilitate a long-lasting, peaceful partnership between farmers and herders.
He said, “The Command is equally committed to addressing agro-related conflict issues through designed programs for parties at various LGAs.
“The Divisional Police Headquarters is directed to encourage early referral of disputes, organize monthly community engagement of farm owners and herders and Ensure robust surveillance of mischievous elements.”
He reiterated that mob action is a crime, and individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court stressing that, “Any assault on a person suspected of committing a crime or being arrested after committing a crime is a violation of human rights.”
He appreciated the public’s cooperation and urged them to continue reporting incidents to the authorities.
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