1 feared dead, 31 houses razed in Gwagwalada communal clash

A deadly communal clash between Fulani and Gwari residents in Gurfata village, located in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has resulted in the death of one person and the destruction of at least 31 houses.

According to local sources, the violence erupted on Tuesday following a dispute between a Fulani man, identified as Shaibu Adamu, and a Gwari farmer named Sa’adu.

The disagreement reportedly started around 10:30 a.m. when Adamu attempted to pass through Sa’adu’s farmland on foot, without any cattle.

The farmer objected, insisting he use another route. An argument ensued, escalating 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.

The situation 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.

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.

As of Wednesday, normalcy had returned to the village, though tensions remain high.