By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with a clash between farmers and herders in Guda Village, Ningi Local Government Area, which left one farmer dead and several houses burnt.
The deceased, identified as 40-year-old Usman Jibrin, reportedly died while receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the police, the incident occurred on September 23, 2026, after three farmers discovered cattle belonging to a herder grazing on and destroying their crops at Guda Hill.
The statement read, “On September 23, 2026, at about 07:40 hours, three farmers from Guda Village went to their farms on Guda Hill and found cattle belonging to a herder grazing on and destroying their crops.
“They chased the cattle to the herders’ settlement, where an argument ensued and degenerated into a fight. In the process, the three farmers sustained injuries. Sadly, in retaliation, some youths from Guda Village mobilised and set ablaze houses at the herders’ settlement.”
The police said operatives from the Ningi Division responded to the incident, restored calm and evacuated the injured to General Hospital, Ningi, for medical attention.
However, one of the injured farmers later died while receiving treatment.
The command said its operatives arrested four suspects on October 8 following intelligence-led efforts.
The statement added, “Through intelligence-led efforts, our operatives have, on October 8, 2026, arrested four suspects in connection with the offences of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt, mischief by fire and culpable homicide.”
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for a thorough and discreet investigation.
The police have not disclosed the identities of the suspects as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the clash and the subsequent burning of houses.
