By Desire Emmanuel
Seven persons were killed while six others sustained varying degrees of injuries and buildings were set ablaze during a reprisal after Fulani herdsmen attacked farmers at a community in Bauchi State.
The attack as well as the reprisal occurred at Lanzai and Dosho communities in Darazo Local Government Area of the state around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 4.
It was gathered that the Fulani herdsmen precipitated the crisis when they attacked farmers who were applying fertilisers on their farm at the outskirts of Lanzai.
In a reprisal attack, youths from Lanzai community mobilised and proceeded to Dosho Village, a Fulani settlement, where they set fire to the area. About 50 huts were razed and several goods were destroyed in the process.
This reprisal led to the death of seven persons, while six people sustained various degree of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. Extensive damage was also recorded on residential structures and personal belongings.
However, upon receipt of the report, operatives of the state police command were immediately deployed to the affected areas to restore law and order, prevent further escalation and commence investigations.
The Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) was also deployed as reinforcement to maintain peace, while patrols have been intensified in Lanzai, Dosho and adjoining communities.
The Commissioner of Police in the state has, meanwhile, directed a thorough investigation into both the immediate and remote causes of the incident, saying that perpetrators of the initial attack and those responsible for the reprisal will be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He further appealed to community leaders and residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
