The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command says normalcy has been restored in Dabiri and Paiko communities in Gwagwalada Area Council following tensions between farmers and herders, as security agencies intensify efforts to prevent further violence.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, met with representatives of the two groups at the command headquarters in Abuja on Monday, October 19, 2026, to address the dispute and find ways to ease tensions.
The meeting was aimed at preventing further escalation, rebuilding confidence among residents and encouraging both sides to resolve disagreements peacefully.
According to the police, Sanusi urged farmers and herders to embrace dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. He warned community leaders against incitement, retaliation and other actions capable of triggering fresh violence.
The commissioner also called on both groups to cooperate with security agencies by providing information that could help identify individuals allegedly responsible for attacks.
The command said security measures had been strengthened in the affected areas to protect residents and prevent another breakdown of law and order.
The police intervention follows reports of a renewed farmers-herders clash in the Gwagwalada area that left people dead and several others injured.
Reports published on Monday said at least three herders were killed in violence in Paikon-Kore, while houses, shops and a motorcycle were reportedly burnt. Some residents were said to have sustained injuries and received medical attention.
A resident quoted in media reports said the confrontation began after cattle allegedly strayed into a groundnut farm where crops were yet to be harvested. An argument reportedly followed between the farmer and herders before the situation escalated.
The reported sequence of events has not, by itself, established criminal responsibility for the deaths or property destruction. The incident underscores the risks of disputes over farmland, crop damage and cattle grazing escalating into wider communal violence.
Sanusi cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that disputes should be addressed through lawful channels rather than violence.
The command also appealed to residents of the affected communities and neighbouring settlements to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel and report suspicious activities to the police.
Security agencies have been working to contain tensions and prevent further attacks as authorities seek to restore lasting peace.
Farmers-herders disputes in parts of Nigeria are often linked to access to farmland, grazing routes, crop damage and competition over land and other resources. When grievances are not resolved early, confrontations can escalate and endanger entire communities.
The latest engagement between the FCT police commissioner and community representatives is intended to reduce tensions and encourage peaceful coexistence.
While the police say normalcy has returned, preventing further violence will depend on continued security presence, cooperation among community leaders and the peaceful resolution of disputes.