Residents of Baji community in Gurara Local Council of Niger State have raised the alarm over alleged persistent attacks by Fulani herders, accusing the authorities of failing to take decisive action despite repeated reports of the incidents.

The Madakin Baji, Usman Yusuf, who raised the concern while speaking to journalists in Minna, said more than 60 people had been injured in attacks on the community over the past five years.

He said the latest incident, which occurred on Saturday, September 19, 2026, left three indigenous farmers — Yahaya Ibrahim, Rabiu Jibrin and Bashar Mohammed — seriously injured.

Narrating the incident, Yusuf said a man identified as Nasiru Sani went to the farm in search of his mother, who had gone there to collect firewood, when he allegedly encountered the herders.

According to him, the confrontation triggered an alarm and subsequent violence in the community.

Yusuf appealed to the federal and Niger State governments, security agencies and other stakeholders to urgently intervene to prevent further escalation.

He said the people of Baji were peace-loving and law-abiding, adding that community leaders and prominent indigenes had repeatedly urged residents to maintain peace.

He, however, warned that continued attacks without adequate protection could force residents to defend themselves.

He alleged: “Since July 2026 till date, farmers have been threatened by the Fulani not to go to their farms or forced out through physical assault and attacks after they embarked on night grazing and destruction of mature crops on the farmlands of 92 households.”

According to him, the development led to an inspection of the affected farmlands and a peace meeting chaired by the Chairman of Gurara Local Council.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante groups, the council, Miyetti Allah, the state government and members of the Baji community.

Yusuf said the meeting was followed by an inspection of the affected farmlands to assess the extent of damage, alleged illegal occupation and the need to restore peace and peaceful coexistence in the area.

He said the inspection established allegations of night grazing, occupation of farmlands by some herders, destruction of crops belonging to 92 households and continued attacks on farmers.

He further alleged that some herders had invited accomplices from neighbouring local councils into the community, thereby heightening tension.

According to him, the inspection team also found that the community had allocated an alternative location to the herders, but they allegedly resisted moving to the designated area.

Yusuf said the peace meeting resolved that the herders should vacate the affected farmlands within 24 hours and relocate to the area allocated to them by the community.

Other resolutions, he said, included an end to further attacks, a commitment by both parties to peace, the return of farmers to their activities and discussions on compensation for crops allegedly destroyed.

He said the farmers later decided not to pursue compensation in the interest of peace and forgiveness.

Yusuf, however, alleged that the attacks continued and that some of the herders resisted the relocation order, claiming to have the backing of the Commissioner for Nomadic Affairs and the state governor.

He also expressed concern over the alleged silence of the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Usman Abubakar, who he said is from the local government, despite receiving reports on the matter.