At least three people are feared killed in clashes between Gbagis and Fulani herdsmen in Garam, a suburb of Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja. The clashes were reportedly sparked after a Gbagi, injured from a one on one fight with a Fulani, died Monday evening.
The Gbagis are believed to be natives of the community. Hostile exchanges began after natives claimed the deceased was stabbed during the Saturday fight with the Fulani.
A witness, who pleaded anonymity for safety reasons, told reporters that at least three people have been killed in the clashes and many non-natives resident in the village have moved out.
The witness who has moved his family into a safe home within the city centre said the clash raged as he fled. “The police came but the ones I saw, I am not sure they will be able to curtail the clash,” he said.
Garam, accessible from Bwari town, is home to a private polytechnic, Durban Poly, and many low income earners working in the city centre.
Residents of Bwari town said tension was also rising in the town which houses a Nigerian Law School and office of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB. The village lies behind the Law School.
When contacted, Altine Daniels, the spokesperson of the Abuja Police command said she was driving and could not answer queries immediately.
Monday’s incident is the first recent report of a clash between native and Fulani herdsmen in the capital territory. Clashes between Fulani herdsmen and natives have almost encircled Nigeria’s capital city in a wave of violence that has killed hundreds of Nigerians.
The government is yet to come up with a formidable strategy against the clashes.
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