Villagers from Wajari, a community in Gombe State’s Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area, are expressing deep distress over recent violence involving suspected Fulani herdsmen. The attack resulted in the death of a local farmer, Ali Abubakar, leaving his family heartbroken. Abubakar, a father of six, was killed, and his farmlands were destroyed while the herders also stole cattle.
In response, Babayo Abubakar, the deceased’s brother, criticized the lack of government response and sympathy. He highlighted that this violence is not an isolated incident, as similar attacks are reported annually in other villages like Bojude in Kwami Local Government Area.
The villagers are frustrated by the absence of governmental support and the lack of a committee to address the persistent herder-farmer conflicts. Aisha Ali, Abubakar’s daughter, emotionally called for divine justice. Local leader Umaru Muhammad also voiced concerns about the insecurity in the village, pointing out that there are no government representatives or security presence to protect them.
Farmers like Yahuza Tukur Baure shared their own struggles, with herders repeatedly grazing on their lands over the past seven years, often returning to retaliate after complaints.
Despite these challenges, the Gombe State Police have set up a joint task force to handle the issue, involving police, civil defense personnel, vigilantes, and community leaders. ASP Buhari Abdullahi, the police spokesperson, mentioned that although they are aware of the tensions, they have not received an official report of the killing. Authorities are urging residents to report any suspicious activities to help prevent further violence.
Though there are efforts to resolve these conflicts, many residents continue to demand stronger action from both local and state authorities to ensure their safety and protect their livelihoods.
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