A land dispute between two communities — Beti and Garin Malam — Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State, has led to the death of a community leader and left three others injured.
The incident occurred Wednesday morning when the deceased Liman Beti, was waylaid by some residents of the neighbouring Garin Malam community.
The attack happened as the deceased was returning from the contested farmland, which has been the subject of the protracted conflict between the two communities.
A source who pleaded anonymity for fear of being targeted told WikkiTimes that the dispute started about seven years ago.
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The deceased had long asserted his claim to the land, even before the recent government demarcation and allocation of farmlands, the source explained, adding the village head of Garin Malam, known locally as Jauro, also laid claim to the same land.
“I met him last night, and he mentioned he would be planting seedlings today. The dispute over the land has been ongoing. Jauro Garin Malam also claims the land. He was killed, and others were injured,” the source recounted.
Another source who does not want his name mentioned, explained that the deceased and his group including his son and a tractor operator were waylaid when returning from the farmland.
“Someone threw a stone that hit his son, causing them to fall off their motorcycle. Villagers, armed with daggers and sticks, emerged from hiding and attacked them,” the source narrated.
While Liman died at a hospital where he was being treated, three other victims including his son, Ahmadu Liman, sustained injuries.
Other victims include Muhammadu Maigoro, the tractor driver and his apprentice who was simply identified as Muzambilu.
Locals in Beti believe the assault was planned. They recounted how the people of Garin Malam, led by their head, had recently vowed to deal with anyone attempting to farm on the disputed land.
WikkiTimes could not immediately speak with any member of the neighbouring community accused of orchestrating the attack.
Police Blame Attack on Fulani Youths
Meanwhile, the police’s account of the incident contradicted that of Beti residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Bauchi Police Command, Ahmed Wakili, confirmed the incident, but blamed it on some “Fulani youths” from Dutsiyal, Wuro Malam and Jabbalo hamlets in Beti Ward.
According to him, the assailants went with the tractor and trespassed into the grazing area at Dutsiyal village with an intention to cultivate the land.
The spokesman added that operatives of the command led by DPO Misau Division swung into action after the incident and rushed the victims to General Hospital Misau where the deceased died.
He noted that others who sustained injuries were treated and discharged.
Wakili told WikkiTimes that the incident was reported to the command by the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Misau LGA, Salisu Hussaini.
He added that the command is making efforts to track the fleeing suspects.
“The command is calling on the public, parents and guardians to talk to their wards that that grazing area that was reserved by the government is a no-go area for anyone and anyone found wanting to trespass without prior knowledge of the government will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.
WikkiTimes recalls that a similar incident occurred in June 2020 in Malunje forest of Zadawa village of the same local government, where nine people were killed and six injured in a clash between herders and farmers in the area.
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