A resident of the Federal Capital Territory has been killed during a clash involving farmers and herders in Abuja, while another farmer sustained critical injuries in the violence.
The deceased died after a herder hacked him down with a machete after he attempted to stop the attacker’s cattle from entering their farmland.
The attack which led to one other victim seriously injured, happened at about 6:40 p.m. on Sunday in Kowa Yarda Village, Karshi, within the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
Following the attack, the injured farmer was evacuated to Karshi General Hospital for treatment, while the incident triggered retaliatory violence against Fulani residents in the community.
A security source on k Tuesday disclosed that several houses were destroyed during the reprisal attacks, although no further death was recorded.
He mentioned that while the reprisal attack was ongoing, troops of the 177 Guards Battalion and personnel from the Nigeria Police at the Karshi patrol base quickly responded after a distress call was put through by community members.
Subsequently, the security operatives met with the deceased farmer’s family, youth leaders and local vigilantes, appealing for restraint and warning residents against further acts of retaliation.
As of the time of filing this report, the security operatives have remained in the area to prevent renewed violence and maintain peace between the affected communities.