The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 25-year-old man, Chede Japo, following a violent clash between herdsmen and villagers at the Kudu Village Market in Mokwa Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, June 9, around 4:00 p.m. during a market day, quickly escalated into chaos as tempers flared between both groups.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who shared details of the confrontation via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, the altercation involved eight herdsmen from the Fulani Camp in Gbete Village and three residents from Uppo Village.
Among those named in the confrontation are Suka Alh. Sani, Adamu Mukwake, Mohammed Abubakar, Umaru Usman, Mohammed Garba, Umaru Garba, Usman Garba, and Abubakar Majo.
During the fracas, Suka Alh. Sani allegedly stabbed Chede Japo in the neck.
Police officers from the Mokwa Division responded swiftly, transporting the victim to the General Hospital in Mokwa. However, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
His body was later deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Two other individuals — Shehu Usman and another man identified only as Abubakar, whose surname is yet to be confirmed — sustained injuries during the fight and are currently receiving treatment at the same hospital.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the root cause of the violence and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.