A soldier, Danlami Danjuma, on Wednesday was killed during a violent clash between farmers and herders in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The soldier’s service rifle was said to have been carted away after he had been killed
Meanwhile, a security team in collaboration with local vigilance group have reportedly launched a search for the missing rifle of the soldier.
The victim was said to be among the soldiers, who responded to a distress call from Gagiya community, where herders had reportedly attempted to encroach on some local farmers’ farmland.
According to the chairman of the council area, Musa Muhammad, the herders were the aggressors.
The chairman, who disclosed that the Fulani community in the area have condemned the incident, said: “He (the soldier) died in the line of duty, they were there to prevent a fight between the farmers and herders. Unfortunately, he was killed.
“The herders are in desperate search of pasture following the devastating effects of flooding on the grazing areas and farmlands. The soldiers rushed to the scene to quell tension after herders encroached into farmlands.
“The criminals are a group of strange herders, who visit the area annually in search of pasture. The military and other security agencies are already investigating the incident.
“Guri and neighbouring Kirikasamma council areas in Jigawa have fertile land suitable for farming and grazing and control of the lush land has led to bloody conflicts between farmers and herders over the years.”
