Horror ! See How Herdsmen Cut Off Farmer’s Hand For Telling Them To Leave His Farm [Details]
In a horrifying incident on Friday, herdsmen attacked a farmer in Borno State, chopping off his hands. The brutal event took place in Bassam Galomari village, located in the Gubio II Ward of Gubio Local Government Area.
The details of the attack were shared by Zagazola Makama, a counter- terrorism and insurgency expert specializing in the Lake Chad Basin, through a post on his X handle on Saturday. According to Makama, the violent confrontation began when herdsmen, accompanied by their cows, entered a farm owned by a local resident.
Makama described the sequence of events leading up to the attack. The farmer attempted to eject the herdsmen from his property, but they resisted. The situation escalated, and one of the herdsmen attacked the farmer, severing his hands in a gruesome assault.
” A violent incident occurred today at 1: 30 pm on Friday, Aug 2, 2024, in Bassam Galomari Village, Gubio II Ward, under Gubio Local Government Area. Fulani herdsmen, carrying cows, entered a farm belonging to a local resident, leading to a confrontation. The farm owner attempted to remove the herdsmen from his property, but they resisted, and one of the Fulani men attacked the farmer, cutting off both his hands, ” Makama reported.
Following the attack, the critically injured farmer was rushed to Gubio Hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later referred to Maiduguri Hospital for further treatment. The condition of the victim remains critical as medical personnel work to stabilize him.
The aftermath of the attack has led to heightened security concerns in the area. Local authorities have deemed Bassam Galomari village unsafe, issuing warnings for people to avoid the vicinity. Security agencies have been mandated to address the situation promptly to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of residents.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between farmers and herdsmen in Nigeria, a conflict that has seen numerous violent clashes over land and resources. The government’ s efforts to mediate these disputes have often fallen short, leading to repeated cycles of violence and retribution.
In recent years, the conflict between herders and farmers has escalated, driven by a complex mix of environmental, economic, and social factors. Climate change has exacerbated resource scarcity, pushing herdsmen to migrate in search of grazing land, often leading to confrontations with farmers whose lands they encroach upon. The government’ s inability to effectively manage these disputes has led to significant loss of life and property, further entrenching animosities.
The attack in Bassam Galomari is a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the underlying causes of the herder- farmer conflict. Such strategies must include equitable land policies, improved security measures, and robust conflict resolution mechanisms. Without these, the cycle of violence is likely to continue, with devastating consequences for rural communities across Nigeria.
Community leaders and local authorities play a crucial role in mitigating these conflicts. Their involvement in dialogue and peace- building initiatives can help bridge the gap between herders and farmers, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. Additionally, support from the federal government in terms of resources and policy implementation is essential to create sustainable solutions.
In the wake of this tragic incident, it is imperative for the government and relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts to ensure justice for the victim and prevent further violence. The security agencies’ response will be closely watched as a measure of the government’ s commitment to protecting its citizens and maintaining peace.
The attack on the farmer in Borno State underscores the pressing need for concerted action to address the herder- farmer conflict. As the nation grapples with this challenge, the hope is that effective measures will be put in place to foster lasting peace and security in affected regions.
