Three people have reportedly been killed and several others injured following a renewed clash between farmers and herders in Paikon-Kore community, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The violence, which began on Saturday afternoon and continued until Sunday morning, also resulted in the burning of houses, shops and a motorcycle, while goods worth significant amounts were reportedly destroyed.
A resident of the community, Danlami Ibrahim, said the clash started after some herders allegedly allowed their cattle to stray into a groundnut farm where crops were yet to be harvested.
According to him, the farm owner confronted the herders over the incident, leading to a heated argument. One of the herders allegedly attacked a farmer with a cutlass, severing one of his hands.
The incident reportedly sparked anger among residents, leading to a reprisal attack in which three herders were allegedly killed. Two houses, several shops and a motorcycle were also set ablaze during the violence.
Several people sustained injuries, with some victims taken to hospitals in Gwagwalada for treatment. Others were seen receiving medical attention at Sabon Nakowa Hospital and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
The renewed violence has raised concerns about the recurring farmers-herders conflicts in the area, with experts warning that failure to address the underlying issues could lead to further bloodshed.
Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, urged residents to remain calm and called on the parties involved to avoid actions capable of escalating the situation.
Community leaders also advised farmers whose crops were damaged by cattle to report such incidents to the appropriate security agencies rather than resorting to self-help.
The council chairman said an expanded security meeting had been convened, with youth leaders, traditional representatives and other community stakeholders from both sides invited to discuss ways of resolving the crisis.
He urged anyone who felt unfairly treated or believed their complaints had not received adequate attention to seek his intervention, stressing that grievances should be addressed through lawful channels.
Meanwhile, soldiers, police officers, vigilantes and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been deployed to the community to restore peace.
The latest incident follows an earlier clash recorded on August 11, 2026, across Paikon-Kore, Ibwa and Rafin-Zurfi communities, where a farmer reportedly lost a hand and three other people sustained machete injuries.
Following the earlier incident, the council chairman convened an emergency security meeting involving traditional rulers, community leaders, Fulani representatives and security agencies. A peace and investigative committee was subsequently established to examine the recurring clashes.
Residents have repeatedly linked the conflicts to cattle straying into farmlands and destroying crops, while herders have also raised concerns about encroachment on designated grazing reserves and restrictions on cattle routes.
The Paikon-Kore Grazing Reserve, which covers approximately 9,500 hectares, has reportedly experienced encroachment by surrounding communities. Herders have called for improved infrastructure and security to enable them to carry out their activities without fear of attacks.
The recurring clashes have disrupted farming and livestock activities in parts of the FCT, leaving residents concerned about their safety and livelihoods.
Security experts have called for stronger early warning systems, timely intervention by security agencies, impartial law enforcement and effective mechanisms for resolving disputes over damaged crops and access to farmland.
They have also emphasised the importance of dialogue among farmers, herders, traditional rulers and community leaders in preventing disagreements from escalating into deadly confrontations.
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