At least one person has died and two others hospitalized in a clash that occurred between herdsmen and youths in Lano village, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The Gombe State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday.
The confrontation reportedly began when youths from Lano village blocked the Lano-Deba Road and allegedly attacked herdsmen passing through from Kuri village, resulting in the death of five cows.
According to the statement, the youths accused the herdsmen of obstructing the movement of farm produce and seizing mobile phones from local farmers.
Abdullahi explained, “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.”
Tragically, one of the victims succumbed to stomach injuries while receiving treatment, while the other two remain under medical care.
The police assured the public that normalcy had been restored to the community, with security personnel and vigilantes actively patrolling to ensure the safety of all parties involved, including villagers, herdsmen, and road users.
“The situation is under control, and we urge all parties to maintain peace and refrain from further violence,” Abdullahi added.
