Tragic Clash in Gombe State: One Dead, Two Injured in Lano Village

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, a violent confrontation occurred between local youths and herdsmen in Lano village, located in the Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State. This incident resulted in the death of one individual and left two others injured.

According to a statement by the Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, the conflict began when youths from Lano village blocked the Lano-Deba Road. They allegedly attacked herdsmen passing through from Kuri village, leading to the death of five cows. The youths accused the herdsmen of stealing mobile phones from local farmers and hindering the movement of farm produce.

Upon receiving reports of the disturbance, the Divisional Police Officer of the area led a team to the scene to manage the situation. Despite their efforts to restore peace, some youths chased the herdsmen into the bush, resulting in a violent clash. During this altercation, three individuals sustained injuries from bows and arrows. They were promptly taken to the General Hospital in Deba for treatment and later transferred to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe. Tragically, one of the victims succumbed to stomach injuries while receiving medical care, while the other two remain hospitalized.

ASP Abdullahi assured the public that normalcy has been restored in the area. Security personnel and local vigilantes are actively patrolling to ensure the safety of residents, herdsmen, and travelers. He urged all parties to maintain peace and avoid any further acts of violence.

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between local communities and herdsmen in various parts of Nigeria. In Gombe State, efforts have been made to address such conflicts. For instance, in 2020, the state government reactivated the Farmers/Herders Dispute Prevention and Settlement Committee to foster peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

The authorities are continuing their efforts to maintain peace and prevent future conflicts. Residents are encouraged to engage in dialogue and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities to ensure the safety and harmony of all communities involved.