Bandits Burn Down Jigawa Village, Kill Farmer, Injure Several Others

Bandits attacked Yelwan Musari village in the Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State over the weekend, killing a farmer and injuring several others, including a police officer. Residents identified the deceased as Magaji Mai’aya. According to witnesses, armed herders set homes and local rice milling facilities on fire during the attack, which took place between Saturday and early Sunday.

A resident, Ado Musa, said the attackers also blocked the Guri-Hadejia highway, delaying efforts to transport the injured to Hadejia hospital. Security forces arrived late and were unable to contain the violence, which had escalated since Saturday afternoon. It remains unclear whether the herders suffered any casualties.

The clash follows months of tension between farmers and herders in the area, stemming from previous incidents, including the killing of farmer Ya’u Namara last year. Attempts by local authorities to reconcile the communities reportedly failed, and herders have reportedly boycotted local markets for months, adding to the strain.

This latest incident comes days after a similar clash in Zarga village, Taura Local Government Area, where 12 people were injured. Guri and other parts of Jigawa North-east senatorial district have fertile land that attracts both farming and grazing activities, but disputes over land use have long fueled deadly conflicts between farmers and herders. The seasonal migration of unfamiliar herders has intensified these disputes, which are rooted in a mix of ecological, socio-economic, and historical factors.

The police spokesperson, Lawan Adam, has not commented on the attack.