Nasarawa Violence Leaves 11 Dead, Dozens of Houses Razed

No fewer than 11 people lost their lives and 52 houses were set ablaze after violence broke out between two communities in Nasarawa State on Friday.

The incident affected Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities, with authorities reporting that around 50 homes were destroyed in Akyawa and two in Udege Kasa. While officials described the incident as a clash, some locals alleged that bandits were responsible for the attack.

Confirming the development, the Nasarawa State Police Command said 11 fatalities were recorded.

Police spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, visited the affected areas and expressed sympathy over the tragedy.

He urged residents to stay peaceful and assist security agencies with credible information.

“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,” the statement said.

“To prevent any further breakdown of law and order, the Commissioner of Police has also directed the immediate reinforcement and sustained deployment of Police personnel, in synergy with the Military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to provide adequate security and restore lasting peace in the area.

“The Command reassures members of the public that normalcy has been restored to the affected communities, while proactive measures are in place to prevent any recurrence of violence,” Nansel stated.

However, conflicting reports from residents suggest the attack may be linked to bandit activity, possibly connected to a previous assault in nearby Sabon Gida (Gidan Ada Ogiri), where property and farm produce were destroyed.

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