The Miyyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Gwagwalada Area Council has dismissed reports of a major crisis between herders and farmers in Gurfata community, describing the incident as “blown out of proportion.”
Alhaji Ibrahim Ciroma, MACBAN’s local chairman, told Abuja Metro that the conflict, which reportedly left three dead and seven herders injured, stemmed from a minor dispute rather than a large-scale clash.
According to Ciroma, the altercation began when herder Shuaibu Adamu attempted to cross the farm of Dahiru Yakubu, a now-deceased farmer, via a footpath. An argument ensued, leading to a physical confrontation after Yakubu allegedly struck Adamu with a hoe, prompting Adamu to retaliate with a stick.
The situation worsened when Yakubu’s elder brother, a medical practitioner, was summoned to treat the injured herder. Ciroma claimed the brother instead assaulted another herder upon arrival, triggering further violence.
“The crisis escalated when vigilantes from nearby villages mobilized and attacked the herders’ camp, resulting in two farmers’ deaths and seven herders sustaining bullet wounds,” Ciroma stated.
Upon visiting the scene, MACBAN officials discovered that over 32 herder residences had been set ablaze. The Gwagwalada council chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Jibrin Giri, later called a security meeting, directing authorities to probe the incident.
Ciroma lamented the breakdown of peace in Gurfata, where herders and farmers had lived harmoniously for years. He urged both groups to maintain calm and resolve disputes through community leaders.
“We must return to peaceful coexistence and avoid taking matters into our own hands,” he appealed.
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