Police spokesman, SP Ahmed Wakil, said in a statement on Saturday that the incident occurred on November 26 when herders from neighbouring Jigawa State allegedly trespassed on farmlands and destroyed crops.

The destruction sparked a confrontation that turned deadly, resulting in the death of one herder.

“Upon receiving the distress call, the DPO Zaki Division, SP Iliya Dogo, swiftly mobilised detectives to the scene, leading to the arrest of five suspects,” Wakil said.

A preliminary investigation is underway, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation.

CP Aliyu appealed for calm among residents, assuring that additional officers have been deployed to prevent reprisal attacks and that normalcy has returned to the area.

He warned against jungle justice and vowed that all suspects will be profiled and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The latest incident comes despite ongoing peace efforts by the command. In October, police in Bauchi engaged farmers and herders in Darazo LGA to promote non-violent conflict resolution and lasting peace in the state.