SAN FRANCISCO, July 11, (THEWILL) – 11 persons have been confirmed dead following a violent clash between suspected Herdsmen and farmers in Gbagyi communities of Niger State.
Reports indicate that four persons were killed in Lamba, Paikoro local government, while another seven were killed in Barakuta in Boss local government area of the state while several persons were injured and properties worth millions of naira including houses, vehicles and motorcycles were destroyed.
Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, who visited Bosso Primary School, Bosso, where the displaced women and children from Bara-Kuta were being temporarily sheltered, vowed to bring mastermind and accomplices of the two clashes to book.
“Nobody has the power or right to take the life of others. These senseless and unwarranted killings cannot and will not be condoned,” he declared.
“You cannot just take machete and kill somebody because of disagreement. There are laws and nobody can claim to be above the law. Whatever maybe the grievances, people cannot take laws into their hands.
“I have instructed the Chairmen of the affected councils, Commissioner of Police and my Special Adviser, Security to fish out the masterminds of the two clashes as well as their accomplices.
“I have also directed for comprehensive investigations into the incidences with a view to prosecuting and bringing to book the culprits. We are determined to bring an end to this barbaric act.
“The Police and other security agencies should ensure that we get to the root of these sad events, prosecute and punish those found culpable.
“I sympathise with you people over the unfortunate incident here at Lamba, now that peace as returned, I implore you all to go after your duties and business without fear.
“Government is on top of the situation and we shall ensure the security of our people and their properties, including their farms and animals.”
