06/10/2026
NEWS:
BAJI FARMLAND DISPUTE TAKES DEADLY TURN AS FARMER DIES, COMMUNITY DEMANDS URGENT INTERVENTION
"Community renews call for urgent government intervention as fears grow over escalating farmland dispute in Gurara"
By Our Correspondent, Minna | October 06, 2026
Tension has heightened in Baji community of Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State following the death of a farmer who sustained serious injuries during an alleged attack linked to a lingering dispute over farmland occupation and access.
The victim, identified as Yahaya Ibrahim, died in the early hours of Tuesday, October 6, 2026, while receiving treatment at a clinic in Lambata. He was subsequently buried in Baji community.
Yahaya was reportedly among three farmers who sustained injuries during an earlier attack. The other two victims were identified as Rabiu Jibrin and Bashar Mohammed.
According to accounts from community sources, Yahaya sustained deep cuts to his shoulder and hand during the incident and was subsequently hospitalised. His death has heightened concerns among residents over the security situation in the community.
The community said that following the announcement of Yahaya's death, some herders who had been occupying disputed farmland in the area reportedly left the community during the night and moved to an unknown destination.
Residents alleged that the dispute had persisted since July 2026, when a group of herders reportedly began occupying farmland in the community, resulting in disagreements with local farmers.
Community representatives further alleged that the situation had subsequently led to attacks on farmers, destruction of crops and growing tension between residents and the herders.
However, these allegations have yet to be independently established by the relevant authorities, and the circumstances surrounding the attacks remain subject to investigation.
The Baji community maintains that it has made several efforts to resolve the dispute peacefully and prevent further escalation.
A community peace meeting was reportedly convened with the participation of representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante groups, the Gurara Local Government Council, Miyetti Allah, representatives of the Niger State Government, Fulani representatives and members of the Baji community.
The meeting was followed by an inspection of the affected farmlands to assess the situation and identify possible avenues for restoring peace and peaceful coexistence.
According to the community's account of the findings, the inspection identified allegations of night grazing, occupation of farmland considered by the community to be unlawful, destruction of farm produce and repeated clashes involving farmers and herders.
The community also alleged that 92 households had suffered damage to their farm produce.
Among the recommendations reportedly reached at the meeting was that the herders should relocate from the disputed farmland to an alternative area previously allocated by the community, while both parties were urged to refrain from further attacks and allow farmers to return to their agricultural activities.
The community also said that the herders were expected to consider compensation for farmers whose crops had allegedly been destroyed.
Interestingly, the Baji farmers reportedly declined compensation, saying they preferred a peaceful resolution of the dispute and a return to normal farming activities.
Despite the resolutions reached at the peace meeting, community representatives allege that the situation did not improve, with claims that some of the herders resisted relocation and that further confrontations occurred.
The community has also raised concerns about alleged mobilisation of people from neighbouring areas, warning that continued tension could spread beyond Baji to surrounding communities.
These claims require independent investigation by security agencies and other competent authorities to establish the facts and identify those responsible for any acts of violence.
The Baji community had earlier formally sought the intervention of the Niger State Government.
In a letter dated July 27, 2026, the community, through its legal representatives, Yabagi & Co. of Sulhu Chambers, appealed to the Executive Governor of Niger State over what it described as the persistent destruction of farmlands, threats to life, breach of peace and unlawful occupation of farmland by some herders.
The letter, signed by Barrister H. A. Yabagi, Esq., reportedly detailed the community's concerns, previous interventions and efforts to resolve the dispute peacefully.
Copies of the appeal were reportedly forwarded to relevant state and security authorities, including the office of the Deputy Governor, Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Commissioner of Police, DSS, NSCDC, Commissioners responsible for Homeland Security and Local Government Affairs, as well as the Emir of Suleja and Chairman of Gurara Local Government Council.
The community now says the death of Yahaya Ibrahim has made urgent intervention even more necessary.
The latest development has renewed calls for the state government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attacks and Yahaya's death.
Community leaders are also urging authorities to protect both farmers and herders, enforce lawful land-use arrangements and prevent further violence.
For the residents of Baji, the immediate priority is the restoration of peace and security so that farmers can return to their fields without fear and communities can coexist peacefully.
The death of Yahaya Ibrahim has consequently added a tragic dimension to an already sensitive dispute, underscoring the need for swift, impartial and credible intervention before the situation escalates into a wider communal conflict.
The community insists that it remains committed to peaceful coexistence but wants the authorities to address the underlying dispute and provide adequate security for residents.
As tension persists, the people of Baji are looking to the Niger State Government and relevant security agencies for decisive action that will establish the facts, protect lives and property, and prevent further loss of life.
© The Blinkers Magazine
