11 Killed, Dozens Of Houses Burnt In Nasarawa Communities’ Clash

No fewer than 11 people have been confirmed dead following a violent clash between two communities in Nasarawa State on Friday, with dozens of homes destroyed in the process.

The affected communities, Akyawa and Udege Kasa, were left reeling in ruins after the incident, which reportedly stemmed from unresolved disagreements. While initial accounts pointed to a communal clash, some residents have alleged that the violence may have been carried out by bandits.

The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the death toll, stating that about 50 houses were razed in Akyawa, while two homes were destroyed in Udege Kasa.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, visited the affected areas and expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.

He called on residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and to support security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.

According to the statement, the Commissioner has ordered an intensive manhunt for those responsible for the attack, directing tactical and investigative teams to ensure their swift identification, arrest, and prosecution.

To forestall further violence, security presence has been reinforced in the area, with police operatives working in collaboration with the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to restore and maintain peace.

The command assured the public that normalcy has been restored in the affected communities, adding that proactive measures are being implemented to prevent a recurrence.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggested the attack may be linked to an earlier incident in nearby Sabon Gida (Gidan Ada Ogiri), where homes and farm produce were also destroyed.