The Bauchi State Government has moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding the killing of five police officers in Darazo Local Government Area, saying the tragic incident was not a bandit attack as widely reported, but rather the result of a violent communal dispute.
Governor Bala Mohammed made the clarification on Tuesday during an extraordinary State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House. He said the events of November 22 in Sabon Sara village were rooted in a herder-farmer conflict—one of the most common and long-standing sources of communal violence in many parts of Nigeria.
The governor’s comments followed earlier confusion and speculation that the officers had fallen victim to bandits, who have carried out attacks in parts of northern Nigeria for years. However, Mohammed stressed that the events in Darazo LGA were different and should not be mistaken for organised bandit operations.
“We want to make it clear that this was not a bandit ambush,” he said. “It was a communal dispute involving herders and farmers that unfortunately escalated into violence. Our police officers were trying to calm the situation when they were attacked.”
The Bauchi State Police Command had earlier released a statement through its spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil, explaining that the officers were attacked by unidentified youths while attempting to intervene in the conflict. The governor’s remarks reinforced that version, indicating that the state is working closely with security agencies to identify those responsible.
Governor Mohammed assured the public that the perpetrators would be tracked down and prosecuted. He added that the state government would continue to encourage peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, especially in rural communities where tensions sometimes escalate into deadly clashes.
Herder-farmer conflicts have become one of the country’s most persistent security challenges, particularly in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions. These disputes often stem from competition over land, grazing routes, and water resources—problems worsened by climate change, deforestation, and population growth.
Over the past decade, the clashes have led to thousands of deaths and mass displacement, especially in states like Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Kaduna, and Adamawa. In many cases, conflicts start as small disagreements before escalating into widespread violence.
Security experts say misunderstanding and mistrust between farming communities and nomadic herders have played a major role in deepening the crisis. Local authorities in several states have tried to resolve the problem through mediation committees, community sensitisation, and the creation of grazing reserves, but tensions remain in many areas.
Bauchi State has recorded several incidents in recent years, though not on the same scale as some neighbouring states. The governor said the Sabon Sara incident reflects the need for continuous peacebuilding efforts and early intervention by traditional leaders, community elders, and security agencies.
During the council meeting, Governor Mohammed also addressed concerns about the temporary closure of schools across the state, stressing that the decision was based on intelligence warnings from security agencies. According to him, the government had received information pointing to possible threats, especially in light of recent attacks on schools in other northern states.
He described the closure as a preventive measure aimed at avoiding tragedy rather than reacting to it after the fact. “We took the decision to close schools because we cannot take chances,” he said. “The safety of our children is more important than anything else.”
Northern Nigeria has experienced several school-related attacks over the past decade, ranging from kidnappings to armed invasions. Notable incidents include the abduction of schoolchildren in Kankara (Katsina), Jangebe (Zamfara), Tegina (Niger), and Daptchi (Yobe). These attacks have made school security a major concern for parents, teachers, and state governments.
Governor Mohammed said Bauchi is working to strengthen security in schools located in high-risk areas by increasing surveillance, improving communication with local communities, and enhancing coordination with security agencies. He added that the government would review the security situation continuously before allowing schools to reopen.
Beyond security matters, Governor Mohammed highlighted the state’s economic plans, revealing that Bauchi is preparing to secure foreign loans aimed at improving infrastructure and human development. He said these loans would support long-term investments in areas such as roads, healthcare, education, agriculture, and public administration.
According to him, the state government’s goal is to set Bauchi on a path of sustainable growth by strengthening key sectors that directly affect the lives of residents. “We want to improve the quality of life for our people,” he said. “That means investing in infrastructure, upgrading our institutions, and creating opportunities for development.”
Bauchi, like many Nigerian states, faces financial challenges due to limited internally generated revenue, reliance on federal allocations, and rising demands for social services. Many state governments have turned to development banks and foreign partners to finance major projects.
While some critics worry about the long-term implications of foreign loans, government officials often argue that such funding is necessary for states to meet their development needs, especially when used for projects that promote economic growth.
Governor Mohammed used the meeting to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring economic progress. He said the government would continue collaborating with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and security agencies to prevent further violence.
“For us in Bauchi, peace and security remain the foundation for everything else,” he said. “We cannot develop without stability. We must all work together to protect our communities.”
The governor also called on residents to avoid spreading misinformation, especially on social media, noting that false reports can create panic and damage community relations. He urged the public to rely on verified information from security agencies and the state government.
As the state continues its investigation into the killing of the police officers, authorities say they are committed to bringing the attackers to justice and preventing similar incidents. The government has also promised to support the families of the slain officers.
For many residents, the events in Darazo highlight the delicate balance between maintaining security and managing the persistent challenges of communal disputes. With schools temporarily closed and new development plans underway, Bauchi State faces both immediate and long-term decisions that will shape its future.
