The police command in Bauchi State has ordered an investigation into a violent fight between farmers and herders in Bursali village in the Zaki Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil, in a statement on Saturday, confirmed that the incident, which occurred on Wednesday at 11 a.m, resulted in the murder of an unidentified herder.

Revealing its cause, Mr Wakil said the incident was triggered by an encroachment of farmlands by herders from Jigawa State, who allegedly destroyed agricultural produce.

“This regrettable act precipitated a confrontation between the herders and community members, during which one herder was killed,” Mr Wakil said.

He noted that the detectives were dispatched to the scene, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

The spokesman noted that a preliminary investigation, to determine the remote and immediate causes of the altercation, had begun.

He also disclosed that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, directed an immediate transfer of the case to the deputy commissioner of police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), for detailed investigation. 

Calling for calm among members of the public, the police command restated its commitment to preventing further escalation and ensuring justice.