A violent communal clash between Fulani and Gwari residents in Gurfata village, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has left one person dead and at least 31 houses destroyed.
The clash broke out on Tuesday after what many described as a “minor dispute” over access through a farmland path. The disagreement quickly escalated, reflecting longstanding ethnic tensions between the two communities.
Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who has been following the incident, said the violence began when a Fulani man, Shaibu Adamu, tried to pass through a Gwari farmer’s land.
“Shaibu Adamu tried to walk through the farm belonging to a Gwari man known as Sa’adu,” Makama said. “But the farmer insisted he use another route, leading to a heated argument that turned physical.”
The encounter, which happened around 10:30 a.m., left both men with minor injuries. But the situation quickly escalated beyond the individuals involved.
“Within hours, both sides had mobilised their kinsmen,” Makama said. “The already fragile relationship between the communities snapped, and the situation spiralled.”
Tensions worsened when Shaibu’s elder brother, Adamu Ibrahim, allegedly attacked a Gwari resident, Dahiru Yakubu, with a machete. Yakubu was taken to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, where he later died.
His death sparked reprisal attacks by Gwari youths, who reportedly stormed the Fulani settlement in the village, burning 31 houses and injuring at least three people.
Troops of the Nigerian Army and other security personnel were sent to the area in response.
“Swift intervention by security personnel helped to contain what could have turned into a full-scale ethnic war,” said Makama. “But the damage had already been done.”
Authorities have since urged both sides to step back from further violence. Although the situation had calmed by Wednesday, residents say tension still hangs in the air.
Makama warned that unless deeper issues are addressed, similar violence may erupt again.
“This was not just about a footpath,” he said. “There are deeper issues of mistrust, competition over land, and lack of proper conflict resolution mechanisms. Until those are tackled, incidents like this will continue to happen.”
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