Get Guardian on GoogleA communal clash between Fulani and Gwari residents in Gurfata village, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has left one person dead and at least 31 houses destroyed.
Security consultant and counter insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama understands that the violent confrontation occurred on Tuesday.
Makama said the clash was reportedly triggered by a disagreement between a Fulani man, Shaibu Adamu, and a Gwari farmer known as Sa’adu, over access through a farmland path.
Quoting sources in the community, Makama said the dispute began around 10:30 a.m on Tuesday when Adamu attempted to walk through Sa’adu’s farmland without cattle.
He said the farmer objected, insisting he use another route, leading to an argument which escalated into a physical altercation that left both men with minor injuries.
“The incident quickly reignited ethnic tensions in the village, with both communities mobilising in solidarity with the parties involved,” Makama said.
The situation reportedly worsened when Adamu Ibrahim, elder brother to Shaibu, allegedly attacked a Gwari resident, Dahiru Yakubu, with a machete.
Yakubu was rushed to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The news of his death sparked a reprisal attack by enraged Gwari youths, who descended on the Fulani settlement in Gurfata, burning down 31 houses and injuring at least three individuals.
According to Makama, the troops of the Nigerian Army as well as other joint Security personnel were later deployed to the area to halt the violence and restore calm.
“Authorities have appealed for peace and urged both communities to exercise restraint. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to mediate between the groups and prevent further escalation,” he stated.
“As of Wednesday, normalcy had returned to the village, though tensions remain high.”
