Again! Blood Flows As Herdsmen Clash With Farmers In Abia State

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One person is believed to have died following a clash between suspected Fulani herdsmen and the people of Umuobasikwu, Ozuitem community in Bende local government area of Abia state.

Crops and farmlands worth several millions of naira were destroyed during the incident.

The clash was said to have occurred on Sunday evening, March 12, The Nation reports.

Confirming the incident, the commissioner of police Leye Oyebade said mobile policemen were drafted to the community to secure life and property and prevent the situation from getting out of hands.

He said normalcy has been restored in the community.

Speaking with newsmen on Monday in Umuahia, Oyebade said a large peace committee comprising representatives of the herdsmen, Hausa/ Fulani community, the local community, the state government, security agencies and other stakeholders had been constituted to resolve the clash.

According to him, the committee’s responsibility is to find a lasting solution to the frequent clashes between herdsmen and their host communities in the area.

The Abia police boss stated that both parties were already negotiating on possible compensation on the damages incurred during the incident.

He appealed to the warring parties sheath their sword and give peace a chance.

Also speaking, the chairman of Methi- Allah in the state, Hassan Buba, appealed to herdsmen to live in harmony with their host communities.

In the same vein, the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Akarilo, said there was no need for bloodshed while urging the aggrieved youths of the community to give peace a chance.

For months, Fulani herdsmen and farmers have been clashing in various communities across Nigeria, leaving several dead and properties destroyed.

In December, Fulani herdsmen attacked Ozu Item in Bende council in Abia state forcing some people to flee. One of the victims, Sunday Oru, invaded their farmlands and destroyed their rice, cassava, okro and plantain which were later fed to the cattle.

About two weeks ago, no fewer than six people were killed in a clash that occurred between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Gbemacha council ward of Gwer local government area of Benue state.

At the weekend, suspected Fulani herdsmen shot an aide to Senator Shehu Sanni along the Abuja-Kaduna road.

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