The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the death of 11 residents following renewed violence between two communities in Nasarawa State.
The clash, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, involved residents of Akyawa and Udege Kasa in the Udege Development Area of Nasarawa Local Government.
The confrontation reportedly stemmed from lingering disputes, escalating into a deadly attack that left multiple casualties and widespread destruction.
In a statement issued in Lafia on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, visited the affected communities to assess the situation and restore calm.
According to the statement, the police chief expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which claimed 11 lives and led to the destruction of properties, including the burning of about 50 houses in Akyawa and two in Udege Kasa.
Nansel explained that the violence was believed to be a reprisal attack carried out by hoodlums over the alleged killing of two individuals from one of the communities. He noted that the CP has ordered an intensive manhunt to apprehend all those responsible for the killings.
“The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the same day, involved hoodlums suspected to have carried out a reprisal attack over the alleged killing of two of their kinsmen.
“In the course of the attack, 11 persons were killed, while about 50 houses were burnt in Akyawa and two houses in Udege Kasa.
“In response, CP Shetima has ordered an intensive manhunt for all perpetrators of the heinous act, directing tactical teams and investigative units to ensure their prompt identification, arrest, and prosecution.”
To prevent further escalation, the police command has reinforced security presence in the area, working in collaboration with the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to maintain order and protect residents.
A stakeholders’ meeting was also convened during the visit, where community members were urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to support ongoing investigations.
Despite official assurances that normalcy has been restored, residents continue to express fear over recurring attacks in the area. There are growing concerns that suspected armed groups, believed to be bandits, may have been involved in the violence.
Local sources alleged that the latest assault followed a recent attack on nearby Sabon Gida, where homes, farm produce, and valuable property were destroyed. According to residents, the attackers had been seen moving around neighbouring communities prior to the incident, raising questions about the absence of preventive action.
“It is becoming unbearable. They abduct at will and now invade our entire communities unchecked. People are living in fear and fleeing their homes for safety,” a resident lamented.
The affected communities, once known for their thriving mining activities and local economy, have increasingly suffered from insecurity, disrupting livelihoods and forcing residents to abandon their homes.
Residents are now calling on the state government to urgently address the situation, especially as farmers begin preparations for the new planting season amid fears of further violence.
What you should know
At least 11 people have been killed in a fresh communal clash in Nasarawa State, with dozens of houses destroyed.
The violence, believed to be a reprisal attack, highlights ongoing insecurity in the region, where suspected bandit activities continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
Security agencies have intensified efforts to restore order, but residents remain fearful of further attacks and are calling for stronger preventive measures.
