By Patrick Idowu
Fear has gripped Riwaza community in Kwali Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), after suspected herdsmen allegedly hacked a man, John Moses Gwatana, to death following a dispute over a water pond.
Eyewitnesses said the violence erupted around 11:23 a.m. on Sunday when herders led their cattle to drink from the pond, contaminating the community’s only water source.
Angered by the sight, some women confronted the herders, sparking a heated argument.
As the situation escalated, two women ran back to the village to report the incident.
The deceased, along with two other men, rushed to the scene to question the herders.
However, in the confrontation, one of the herders allegedly pulled out a machete and fatally stabbed Gwatana, while two others sustained serious injuries.
The wounded villagers were rushed to a hospital in Gwagwalada, while the attackers fled with their cattle before local vigilantes could arrive.
Reports suggest the herders were migrating from Zago village in Niger State.
The police in the area have confirmed the incident, but the FCT Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the attack.
