News / Nigeria

Five villagers killed in Fulani attack in Nigeria’s Kaduna state

Wednesday, 03 August 2016 6:17 PM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 03 August 2016 6:18 PM ]

The photo taken on May 5, 2016, shows a general view of Nimbo, southeastern Nigeria, where nomadic Fulani herdsman attacked the villagers and burnt down buildings and vehicles. (AFP)

Five villagers have been killed in an attack by Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria’s northern state of Kaduna, police say.

"There was an attack on several communities in the state on Tuesday. Five people lost their lives and we are investigating the incident," state police spokesman, Aliyu Usman, said Wednesday.

He said the police forces had restored peace to the area, adding, "Our men are on ground. The place is now calm."

Local media, however, gave a higher death toll. Fulani herdsmen invaded the villages of Ungwan Anjo, Akwaa and Gida Biyu in Jema'a local government area in Kaduna.

Another assault in the Demsa council area of Adamawa state claimed the lives of 15 people at the weekend.

Fulani’s semi-nomadic, cattle-herding way of life has led to decades of conflict with farming communities across central and northern Nigeria.

The Fulani herdsmen usually encroach on and destroy the farmers' lands, especially during the dry season, resulting in clashes with the farmers trying to stop the Fulani people from using their farmlands as feeding ground for their cattle.

Last week, the Fulani herdsmen killed a person, and injured two others in Benue state, where violence over grazing rights claimed the lives of hundreds in February.

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