The Gombe State Police Command said it had arrested some suspects in connection with the death of one person following a clash between some youths and Fulani herders in the Lano Village, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed this in an exclusive conversation with TheNigerian Metro on Sunday.
TheNigerian Online reported on Sunday that the conflict began when youths from Lano village barricaded the Lano-Deba Road and allegedly attacked herdsmen crossing from Kuri village, killing five of their cows.
Abdullahi had narrated that the youths reportedly accused the herdsmen of seizing phones from farmers and obstructing the transportation of farm produce.
He continued, “Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer of the area led a team to the scene to contain the situation.
“However, despite efforts to restore calm, some of the youths pursued the herdsmen into the bush, leading to a violent altercation.”
“Three persons were shot with bows and arrows during the clash. The victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Deba for treatment but were later referred to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe.”
He noted that one of the victims succumbed to stomach injuries while receiving treatment, while the other two remain hospitalised.
Giving an update on the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, Abdullahi noted that the nature of the incident required careful investigation from the police.
He stressed that efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects and after careful screening, the identities of the suspects would be disclosed.
“We have made some arrests and are still investigating the matter to arrest other fleeing suspects.
“We are waiting for the compilation of the number of suspects so I don’t want to be in a haste to release any figure. We will update the public soon,” Abdullahi said.
