Arrow-shot injuries following herder–farmer clashes in Gombe, Nigeria: A case series

Abstract

Although rare in developed countries, arrow-shot injuries remain a significant cause of penetrating trauma in rural regions of developing nations, particularly in areas affected by herder–farmer conflicts. Despite being low-velocity projectiles, arrows can cause severe penetrating injuries to the head and neck, thorax, abdomen and extremities, often requiring surgical intervention. Data from Gombe State are scarce, and these injuries appear to occur more frequently during harvest periods when herder-farmer clashes are more common.

We report three cases of arrow-shot injuries sustained during herder – farmer clashes in Gombe, Nigeria. The injuries involved the neck, thorax and retroperitoneum with damage to major structures including the internal jugular vein, lung, diaphragm and kidney. All patients underwent operative management following appropriate imaging and resuscitation.

All patients had favourable outcomes, with no major postoperative complications or mortality.  This case series highlights the potential life-threatening nature of arrow shot injuries and emphasises the importance of early resuscitation, appropriate imaging, and controlled surgical extraction. Improved surveillance and targeted trauma preparedness during high-risk periods may further reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these injuries.