The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the death of 11 residents following renewed clashes between two communities in Udege Development Area of Nasarawa Local Government Area.
The violence, which erupted in the early hours of Friday, involved residents of Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities, reportedly over lingering disagreements.
In a statement issued in Lafia on Saturday, the Police Public Relations to Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the tragic incident prompted the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, to visit the affected communities to assess the situation and restore calm.
According to the police, the commissioner expressed deep sorrow over the killings and destruction recorded during the attack, which claimed 11 lives and left several houses razed.
Nansel disclosed that the violence was allegedly carried out by hoodlums in a reprisal attack over the reported killing of two individuals from one of the communities.
He said, “In the course of the attack, 11 persons were killed, while about 50 houses were burnt in Akyawa and two houses in Udege Kasa.”
The police command has since launched a manhunt for those responsible, with the commissioner directing tactical teams and investigative units to ensure their swift arrest and prosecution.
To prevent further breakdown of law and order, security has been reinforced in the area, with police personnel working in collaboration with the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to restore peace.
During the visit, a stakeholders’ meeting was held where residents were urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to aid onwarmed investigations.
The command assured that normalcy has been restored to the affected communities, adding that proactive measures have been put in place to forestall a recurrence.
Meanwhile, local sources have alleged that suspected armed militias invaded the communities late Thursday night, describing the attack as part of a series of violent incidents in the area.
The latest violence is believed to be linked to a recent attack on the nearby Sabon Gida community, where homes, farm produce, and other valuables were destroyed.
Residents expressed growing fears over the recurring attacks, lamenting that insecurity has worsened in the area despite prior warnings about suspicious movements by armed groups.
“They abduct at will and now invade our communities unchecked. People are living in fear and fleeing their homes,” a resident said.
The affected communities, once known for thriving mining activities and a vibrant local economy, have recently faced6 persistent insecurity, disrupting livelihoods and forcing many residents to abandon their homes.
Community members have called on the Nasarawa State Government to urgently intervene to halt the violence and ensure the safety of lives and property, especially as farmers begin preparations for the new planting season.
