A tragic incident has rocked Malale village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where a man allegedly killed his replacement herder following a bitter fallout over a job loss.
According to the Niger State Police Command, the suspect, identified as Usman Mohammed, was arrested after reportedly attacking and killing 40-year-old Ibrahim Salisu, who had been employed to take over his former job as a cattle herder.
The unfortunate incident happened around 12:30 p.m. on April 30, 2025. It was reported to the police by the village head, Mallam Musa Abubakar, and one Usman Iliyasu of Tungan-Sule, the owner of the cattle.
Police investigations revealed that Iliyasu had employed Mohammed as his cattle herder two years ago. However, things took a turn in February 2025 when Iliyasu, who had just returned from pilgrimage to Mecca, accused Mohammed of stealing money during his absence. Based on that allegation, Mohammed was dismissed from his position.
In his place, Iliyasu hired another herder, Ibrahim Salisu, who was from the same area.
But instead of moving on, Mohammed reportedly held deep resentment toward his replacement. According to a police source, Mohammed ambushed Salisu and attacked him with a cutlass during a confrontation in the village, blaming him for “taking over” his job.
“The sacked herder, Usman Mohammed, reportedly attacked Ibrahim Salisu with a cutlass, inflicting fatal injuries and accusing him of taking over his job. The victim died on the spot,” said a police source.
Officers from the New-Bussa Police Division were quickly dispatched to the scene. The corpse was photographed and later moved to the General Hospital in New-Bussa.
The suspect was immediately arrested and is currently in custody. The police have begun a full investigation to determine all the facts surrounding the murder.
The case also raises broader concerns about job insecurity and conflict resolution in rural communities, where employment is scarce and traditional jobs like cattle herding remain a major source of livelihood.
For now, the people of Malale are mourning a man who lost his life simply for accepting a job offer.
