The incident of a herdsman allegedly cutting off the hand of a farmer, Bitrus Chawai, in Damakasuwa, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the escalating farmer-herder conflicts in the region.
Bitrus Chawai, a former NULGE Chairman in the Kauru Local Government Area and currently a trustee at the state level, had visited his farm in preparation for this year’s farming when the tragic incident occurred.
According to his younger brother, Barnabas, who disclosed the incident to media sources, Bitrus discovered that cows had entered one of his farms and eaten beans.
When he approached the herdsman responsible for the damage, he was attacked, with the herdsman allegedly attempting to behead him.
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Bitrus used his hand to shield his head, resulting in the severing of his arm.
This horrifying incident underscores the recurring tensions and violence between farmers and herders in the region.
Barnabas mentioned that similar attacks had occurred in the community in the past, indicating a pattern of violence that needs urgent attention.
Bitrus was rushed to the Divisional Police Station in Damakasuwa by his father, and he is currently receiving medical treatment, with reports of him bleeding profusely since the incident.
The lack of response from the spokesperson for the state’s police command, ASP Mansir Hassan, raises concerns about the adequacy of law enforcement’s response to such incidents and highlights the need for swift action to address the root causes of farmer-herder conflicts and ensure the safety of all citizens.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable solutions to mitigate farmer-herder conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence in communities affected by such violence.
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