One feared dead as farmers and herdsmen clash in Abia State

There was a clash between suspected Fulani herdsmen and the people of Umuobasikwu, Ozuitem community in Abia state

One person is believed to have been killed during the fracas

The commissioner of police in the state, Leye Oyebade, said the situation has been brought under control

One person is believed to have died following a clash between suspected Fulani herdsmen and the people of Umuobasikwu, Ozuitem community in Bende

local government area of Abia state.

Crops and farmlands worth several millions of naira were destroyed during the incident.

The clash was said to have occurred on Sunday evening, March 12, The Nation reports.

Confirming the incident, the commissioner of police Leye Oyebade said mobile policemen were drafted to the community to secure life and property and prevent the situation from getting out of hands.

He said normalcy has been restored in the community.

Speaking with newsmen on Monday in Umuahia, Oyebade said a large peace committee comprising representatives of the herdsmen, Hausa/ Fulani community, the local community, the state government, security agencies and other stakeholders had been constituted to resolve the clash.

According to him, the committee’s responsibility is to find a lasting solution to the frequent clashes between herdsmen and their host communities in the area.

The Abia police boss stated that both parties were already negotiating on possible compensation on the damages incurred during the incident.

He appealed to the warring parties sheath their sword and give peace a chance.

Also speaking, the chairman of Methi- Allah in the state, Hassan Buba, appealed to herdsmen to live in harmony with their host communities.

In the same vein, the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Akarilo, said there was no need for bloodshed while urging the aggrieved youths of the community to give peace a chance.