At least 11 people have been confirmed dead and dozens of houses destroyed following a renewed outbreak of violence between residents of Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, has further heightened tensions in the Udege Development Area, with many residents fleeing for safety amid fears of continued attacks.
Confirming the development in Lafia on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the crisis prompted an immediate visit by the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, to the affected communities.
Nansel disclosed that the police chief expressed grief over the loss of lives and destruction of property, while assuring residents that efforts were underway to bring those responsible to justice.
“The Commissioner of Police commiserated with families of the victims and the entire community over this tragic incident,” he said. “He has also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.”
According to the police spokesperson, the violence was triggered by a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by suspected hoodlums over the killing of two of their kinsmen.
“In the course of the attack, 11 persons lost their lives, while about 50 houses were set ablaze in Akyawa and two houses destroyed in Udege Kasa,” Nansel stated.
He added that the police commissioner had ordered a full-scale manhunt for those behind the attack, directing tactical and investigative units to intensify operations in the area.
“To forestall further breakdown of law and order, the Commissioner has also ordered the deployment of additional security personnel in collaboration with the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,” he said.
As part of efforts to restore calm, a stakeholders’ meeting was convened during the police chief’s visit, where community members were urged to remain peaceful and support security agencies with useful information.
Despite official assurances that normalcy has been restored, residents say the situation remains tense, with many expressing fears over possible renewed attacks.
Some locals alleged that the violence may be linked to armed groups suspected to have invaded the communities late Thursday night, describing the incident as part of a pattern of recurring attacks in the area.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented the growing insecurity, saying, “It is becoming unbearable. People are attacked, abducted, and now entire communities are being invaded. Many of us are living in fear and have started leaving our homes.”
Sources within the community also claimed that suspicious movements of armed individuals had been observed in nearby areas before the attack, raising concerns about possible lapses in preventive security measures.
The latest incident is believed to be connected to earlier violence in Sabon Gida, a neighbouring settlement, where properties including homes and farm produce were reportedly destroyed less than two days before the current clash.
The affected communities, once known for thriving mining activities and local commerce, have increasingly come under threat from persistent insecurity, disrupting livelihoods and displacing residents.
Community members are now calling on the Nasarawa State Government to take urgent and decisive action to curb the violence and protect lives, particularly as farmers begin preparations for the planting season.
“We need protection now more than ever,” another resident said. “People cannot go to their farms or continue their businesses in this atmosphere of fear.”
