Many people were feared dead in Jere town of Kagarko Local Government area of Kaduna state on Friday while the traditional ruler of Jere, Dr. Sa’ad Usman, was seriously injured when Fulani herdsmen in the area clashed with the Gwari inhabitants over land dispute.

Although the number of casualties was not made available to journalists in Kaduna, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Adenaike, confirmed to newsmen around 6pm yesterday that there was pandemonium in the area but his men were on top of the situation.

A source close to the state government also told journalists under anonymity, that the traditional ruler who is the husband of Senator Esther Nenadi Usman representing Southern Kaduna, was seriously injured when he went to mediate over the dispute in his domain, while some of his palace guards also sustained injuries in trying to defend the emir.

Dr. Usman, also a former Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital under heavy security where he is currently receiving medical attention.

“Doctors are battling to save the emir’s life in an intensive care unit of the hospital,” the source said.

Earlier, there were rumors in Kaduna that the first class emir was beheaded by the rampaging groups, while the entire town was set on fire during the crisis which was debunked by the commissioner of police.

Attempts to speak to the Senator could not yield fruits as calls to her mobile telephone could not get through.

•Credit (text only): Nigerian Tribune. Photo shows Kaduna State Governor Muktar Yero.