No fewer than 11 people have been confirmed dead after violence erupted between two communities in Nasarawa State on Friday, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
The clash, reportedly triggered by disagreements between residents, affected Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities.
However, some locals claimed the attack may have been carried out by bandits rather than a direct communal conflict.
The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the death toll, stating that 11 persons lost their lives during the incident.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that properties were heavily damaged, with about 50 houses burnt in Akyawa, while two houses were destroyed in Udege Kasa.
In a statement on Saturday, Police Public Relations Officer, Nasarawa State Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, noted that the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, visited the communities, and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.
He urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies by providing 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.
“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 said.
However, there unconfirmed reports that it was bandits that invaded Akyawa and Udege Kasa.
Many residents believe the attack has links to an earlier one in nearby Sabon Gida (Gidan Ada Ogiri), where houses, farm produce, among others, were destroyed.
