One person reportedly died in a recent confrontation between herdsmen and local youths in Lano village in the Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Henzodaily understands that the tragic clash, which resulted in one fatality and two individuals hospitalized due to injuries, happened on Saturday, December 7.
Confirming the incident through an official statement, the Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, noted that the altercation commenced when the youths of Lano village blocked the Lano-Deba Road and purportedly assaulted herdsmen travelling from Kuri village, leading to the death of five of their cattle.
The youths allegedly accused the herdsmen of confiscating mobile phones from local farmers and hindering the transport of agricultural products.
Abdullahi said, “We received information that a group of youths from Lano village barricaded the Lano-Deba road and attacked Fulani herdsmen, killing five of their cows.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer of the area led a team to the scene to contain the situation.
“However, despite efforts to restore calm, some of the youths pursued the herdsmen into the bush, leading to a violent altercation.
“Three persons were shot with bows and arrows during the clash. The victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Deba for treatment but were later referred to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe.”
One of the victims passed away due to stomach injuries sustained during treatment, while the other two continue to be hospitalized.
The police spokesperson reassured the community that normalcy has been reinstated in the area, with security forces and local vigilantes conducting patrols to guarantee the safety of villagers, herdsmen, and travellers.
“The situation is under control, and we urge all parties to maintain peace and refrain from further violence,” Abdullahi said.