The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed that 11 people were killed and over 50 houses were burnt following violent clashes between the Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities in the Nasarawa Local Government Area on Friday.
The two warring communities, Akyawa and Udege Kasa, clashed in the early hours of Friday over some disagreements.
In a statement made available to journalists in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Ramhan Nansel, explained that the casualties prompted the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, to visit the communities with a view to restoring normalcy.
According to Nansel, during the CP’s visit to the affected communities of Akyawa and Udege Kasa on April 3, 2026, Mohammed expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 11 persons and led to the burning of several houses.
He stated that the CP commiserated with the families of the deceased and the entire community, assuring them of the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
The PPRO said, “The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the same day, involved hoodlums suspected to have carried out a reprisal attack over the alleged killing of two of their kinsmen.
“In the course of the attack, 11 persons were killed, while about 50 houses were burnt in Akyawa and two houses in Udege Kasa.
“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.”
Nansel noted that in order to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, the CP had also directed the immediate reinforcement and sustained deployment of police personnel, in synergy with the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to provide adequate security and restore lasting peace in the area.
“A stakeholders’ meeting was held during the visit, where the CP urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to support ongoing investigations.
“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,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, there are rumours that the communities came under violent attacks, as suspected Fulani militias, believed to be bandits, reportedly invaded Akyawa and Udege Kasa late Thursday night.
The latest assault, according to local sources, is believed to be a continuation of an earlier violence in nearby Sabon Gida (Gidan Ada Ogiri), where houses, farm produce and other valuable properties were destroyed.
Residents lamented that barely 48 hours after the attack on Sabon Gida, the fresh assault occurred, heightening fears among residents who say no one can predict which community may be targeted next.
Sources expressed concern that the attackers had been sighted moving around neighbouring communities prior to the incident, yet no decisive preventive measures were taken by security authorities.
“It is becoming unbearable. They abduct at will and now invade our entire communities unchecked. People are living in fear and fleeing their homes for safety,” a resident lamented.
Our correspondent gathered that the affected communities, once known for their mining activities and vibrant local economy, have in recent times been severely impacted by recurring insecurity attributed to suspected bandit groups.
Residents are therefore calling on the Nasarawa State Government to act swiftly to contain the situation and prevent further devastation, especially as farmers have begun planting for the new season amid fears of renewed attacks.
