Reps demand probe into Bauchi farmers–herders clash that killed nine

The House of Representatives on Tuesday called for a thorough investigation into the recent farmers–herders clash in Lanzai and Dosho communities of Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State, which reportedly left nine persons dead.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, Rep. Mansur Manu Soro.

Moving the motion, Soro said the violence, which occurred last Wednesday, led to the death of nine persons, injuries to several residents, destruction of property, and the burning of about 50 residential huts.

He said the incident had displaced many families and exposed women, children and the elderly to severe humanitarian conditions.

The lawmaker expressed concern over the recurring nature of farmers–herders conflicts across the country, noting that such clashes continued to threaten national security, agricultural productivity and economic development.

He said, “The incident has displaced numerous families, exposed vulnerable persons including women, children and the elderly to severe humanitarian conditions and heightened tension among affected communities.”

Soro stressed the need for swift intervention by security agencies and humanitarian organisations to prevent further escalation of the crisis and restore confidence among residents.

He also warned that failure to investigate the violence and bring perpetrators to justice could encourage reprisals and further attacks.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Inspector-General of Police to deploy adequate investigative and intelligence resources to the affected communities to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the violence.

The lawmakers also called on the Director-General of the Department of State Services to intensify intelligence gathering, threat assessment and early warning operations in the affected areas and neighbouring communities.

The House further urged the National Emergency Management Agency and the North-East Development Commission to provide emergency relief materials, temporary shelter, food supplies, medical assistance and psychosocial support to victims of the crisis.

It also called on the Federal Government, through the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), to support the reconstruction of residential structures, community facilities and livelihoods destroyed during the violence.

The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to accelerate the implementation of sustainable livestock management, grazing control, ranching development and farmer–herder dispute resolution frameworks in the area.

The House mandated its Committees on Police Affairs, National Security and Intelligence, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, and the NEDC to ensure compliance with the resolutions and report back within six weeks.

The lawmakers thereafter observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims and extended condolences to the people of Lanzai and Dosho communities through the Bauchi State Government.

Reps demand probe into Bauchi farmers–herders clash that killed nine