The Bureau News reports that two persons were killed and seven others injured during violent midnight clashes between suspected Fulani herders and local farmers in Dagaceri, Birniwa Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The confrontation, which broke out late on Wednesday night, reportedly stemmed from a dispute over grazing land — a recurring cause of tension between herders and farmers across northern Nigeria.

Eyewitnesses Recount the Night of Horror

Residents described the attack as chaotic and terrifying. An eyewitness, Hassan Abdullahi, told journalists that homes were set ablaze as villagers ran for safety. “People were running everywhere. It was a terrifying sight as attackers set homes on fire and unleashed violence on families,” he said.

Another resident, Izaddeen Usman, recounted: “I hid with my children in the bushes. The screams filled the night. We feared for our lives.”

A local farmer, Malam Sani, linked the violence to continued trespassing by herders. “Their cattle kept destroying our farms. The tension finally exploded into violence,” he explained.

Police Arrest Seven Suspects, Recover Weapons

Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer for Jigawa State, SP Shi’isu Adam, said seven suspects were arrested and several weapons recovered at the scene.

“Items found included bows and arrows, cutlasses, phones, and local charms,” he stated, adding that police operatives swiftly deployed Operation Salama to the area to restore peace.

“Our officers are dedicated to protecting lives and property. We will continue to pursue all those responsible,” Adam assured.

Calls for Peace and Dialogue

Local leaders have appealed for calm. A respected community elder, Malam Garba, told Newsmen by phone: “More loss of life cannot be tolerated. We must return to dialogue.”

Another elder, Usman Tela, added, “We want to live in harmony, farm peacefully, and raise our children without fear of violence.”

Human rights activist Comrade Musbahu Basirka also condemned the incident, calling on government and security agencies to act swiftly. “The government must intervene urgently to protect vulnerable communities. Violence only deepens divisions and suffering,” he said.