RismadarVoice Reporters, April 4, 2026
The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the death of 11 persons following renewed violent clashes between Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities in Udege Development Area of Nasarawa Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, April 3, 2026, also led to the destruction of several houses, heightening tension in the affected communities.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Lafia, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the tragic development prompted the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, to visit the communities to assess the situation and restore calm.
During the visit, the Commissioner expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread destruction, commiserating with the families of the victims and assuring residents of the command’s commitment to ensuring justice.
According to the police, the violence was triggered by a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by hoodlums over the killing of two of their kinsmen.
“The incident involved suspected hoodlums who launched a reprisal attack. In the course of the violence, 11 persons were killed, about 50 houses were burnt in Akyawa, while two houses were destroyed in Udege Kasa,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police has since ordered an intensive manhunt for those responsible, directing tactical and investigative teams to ensure their swift identification, arrest, and prosecution.
To prevent further escalation, the command has reinforced security deployment in the area, working in collaboration with the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to restore lasting peace.
Nansel added that a stakeholders’ meeting was convened during the visit, where residents were urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
“The Command reassures the public that normalcy has been restored, and proactive measures have been put in place to prevent any recurrence,” he said.
Meanwhile, reports from local sources suggest that the violence may be linked to suspected armed groups, believed to be bandits, who allegedly invaded the communities late Thursday night.
The latest attack is said to be a continuation of earlier violence in nearby Sabon Gida (Gidan Ada Ogiri), where homes, farm produce, and property were destroyed.
Residents expressed concern over the recurring attacks, noting that the fresh violence occurred less than 48 hours after the Sabon Gida incident, thereby increasing fear and uncertainty in the area.
“It is becoming unbearable. They abduct at will and now invade entire communities unchecked. People are living in fear and fleeing their homes,” a resident lamented.
Sources also claimed that the attackers had been sighted in neighbouring communities prior to the incident, raising questions about the adequacy of preventive security measures.
The affected communities, once known for their thriving mining activities and local economy, have in recent times suffered repeated security challenges attributed to suspected bandit groups.
Residents have therefore called on the Nasarawa State Government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action to curb the violence and protect lives and property, especially as farmers begin preparations for the new planting season amid growing fears of further attacks.
