Veteran investigative journalist and commercial farmer Ibanga Isine has alleged that a suspected herder arrested in connection with repeated invasions of his farm attacked a police officer while in custody after attempting to escape.
Isine made the claim during an interview published by Punch Newspaper on Sunday, July 26, 2026, where he discussed the outcome of repeated attacks on his farm in Uyo and the subsequent efforts by security agencies to investigate the incidents.
According to Isine, authorities intensified their investigations following what he described as the sixth invasion of his farm and the public outcry that followed the attacks. He said the coordinated efforts of the anti-open grazing task force and the Nigeria Police eventually led to the arrest of one of the suspected herders, identified as Abdullahi Yusuf.
However, Isine said the events that unfolded after the suspect’s arrest took an unexpected turn and further highlighted the seriousness of the case.
Recounting the incident, Isine alleged that while Yusuf was being held in police custody, he attempted to flee. During the alleged escape attempt, the suspect reportedly produced a dagger that had been concealed inside his clothing and attacked one of the officers guarding him.
“After the sixth invasion and the public outcry that followed, the anti-open grazing task force and the police intensified their investigations. Eventually, one of the suspected herders, Abdullahi Yusuf, was arrested. What surprised me was what happened after his arrest,” Isine said.
“While in police custody, he allegedly attempted to escape. During the process, he reportedly produced a dagger hidden inside his clothing and stabbed a police officer. The officer sustained injuries before other policemen overpowered him. He was eventually shot in the leg, treated, and later charged in court.”
According to Isine, the injured police officer sustained wounds during the confrontation before fellow officers intervened to subdue the suspect.
He alleged that security personnel eventually brought the situation under control by shooting the suspect in the leg. The suspect was subsequently taken for medical treatment before being arraigned in court to face legal proceedings.
Isine said the alleged attack on the police officer underscored the gravity of the case and demonstrated the risks faced by law enforcement officers while carrying out their duties.
He maintained that the incident reinforced the need for authorities to thoroughly investigate and prosecute individuals accused of attacking farmers and security personnel.
The journalist further argued that ensuring accountability in such cases is essential to protecting agricultural investments and safeguarding rural communities from recurring attacks.
According to him, effective prosecution would not only deliver justice in the present case but also serve as a deterrent against future attacks on farmers and their livelihoods.
Isine reiterated that repeated invasions of farms have become a major concern for many agricultural investors, stressing that stronger enforcement of the law is necessary to boost confidence among farmers and encourage continued investment in agriculture.
In his concluding remarks, he urged the relevant authorities to remain committed to ensuring justice is served through a transparent legal process.
He expressed hope that the judicial proceedings would be conducted fairly and that anyone found responsible for attacks on farmers or acts of violence would be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The allegations made by Isine were presented during the interview and have not been independently verified. The suspect has been charged in court, and the legal process is ongoing. As of the time of the interview, law enforcement authorities had not publicly provided additional details regarding the alleged stabbing incident beyond the account shared by Isine.
The case has drawn attention amid ongoing concerns over attacks on farms and disputes involving herders and farming communities in parts of Nigeria. Stakeholders have continued to call for stronger security measures, effective law enforcement, and the diligent prosecution of criminal cases to enhance the safety of rural communities and protect agricultural investments.
