A violent clash between farmers and herders has resulted in the deaths of two people and left several others injured in border communities within Katsina State.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening when farmers from the Tsamiya community in Sandamu Local Government Area clashed with herders residing in Rijiyar Tsamiya, Dutsi Local Government Area. Both communities, though located in different council areas, share a common border divided by a river.

According to local sources, tensions between the two groups had been simmering over repeated incidents in which herders allegedly allowed their cattle to wander into and destroy irrigated farmlands.

The latest confrontation reportedly began when herders, armed with dangerous weapons, attacked farm labourers working on a rice field.

They allegedly carted away several bags of harvested paddy rice and threw a significant quantity into the river.

The attackers also injured some of the workers and allegedly issued threats of further violence should the farmers continue to complain about the destruction of their crops by roaming livestock.

In response, residents of the farming community, upon learning of the attack, armed themselves and crossed the river to confront the herders.

The situation quickly escalated into a violent clash, leading to the deaths of two individuals and injuries to dozens more.

Scores of animals were reportedly killed during the violence, and several grain barns were set ablaze. Photos and videos from the scene showed carcasses of livestock scattered across the area and charred remains of burnt grain storage structures.

Some of the injured victims are currently receiving treatment at nearby hospitals, while the deceased have been buried according to Islamic rites.

Dutsi and Sandamu Local Government Areas, both located in Katsina North Senatorial District (commonly referred to as the Daura Zone), have traditionally been considered relatively peaceful. This contrasts sharply with Katsina Central and Southern zones, which have faced persistent insecurity due to the activities of bandits, kidnappers, and terrorist groups.

Experts link the frequent clashes between farmers and herders to dwindling pasturelands, which force livestock to stray into farmlands in search of food and water, triggering conflicts.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, confirmed the incident but declined to provide further details.