A source close to the victim said trouble started when a herder directed his cows to feed on the yam flour, which was spread on the floor for sun drying.

Ojedokun Modede, a retired principal was on Friday hacked by suspected herders in Igangan, Ibarapa North local government area of Oyo state, The Nation reports.

Modede, who suffered serious machete cuts on his arm, was said to have been attacked on his farm.

But, the police in confirming the incident said it was in reprisal of an earlier attack on three herdsmen by youths of the community.

A source close to the victim said trouble started when a herder directed his cows to feed on the yam flour, which was spread on the floor for sun drying.

The retired principal was said to have, in anger, challenged the decision of the herder but was met by a resistant herder, who drew out his machete with an intention to strike him.

The farmer, it was gathered while trying to block the machete with his bare hand, suffered a deep cut in the process.

Sources confirmed that despite the first cut, the herder did not stop but gave the farmer another cut on the hand while the cows feed on the yam flour.

Cries by the farmer was said to have saved his life as the assailants immediately took to their heels upon hearing sounds of people coming to his aids.

He was later rushed to a private hospital in Igangan where he is receiving medical attention.