No fewer than 11 persons have lost their lives, while several families have been displaced after a violent confrontation between two communities in Nasarawa State left widespread destruction in its wake.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, involved residents of Akyawa and Udege Kasa, resulting in the burning of about 52 houses across both communities.
Confirming the development on Saturday, the Nasarawa State Police Command disclosed that 50 houses were razed in Akyawa, while two others were destroyed in Udege Kasa.
In a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, expressed grief over the killings during a visit to the affected areas.
He appealed to residents to remain peaceful and assist security agencies with useful information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible.
The police chief also directed an aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators, mandating tactical units and investigators to ensure they are tracked down and brought to justice.
As part of efforts to restore order, he ordered increased deployment of security personnel to the troubled communities, in collaboration with the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to maintain stability and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The command assured that calm has been re-established, adding that security operatives would sustain their presence to forestall any resurgence of violence.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the cause of the attack, as some residents claimed armed bandits may have been responsible for the killings.
Others linked the violence to a previous attack on neighbouring Sabon Gida, also known as Gidan Ada Ogiri, where houses and agricultural produce were reportedly destroyed.
The latest incident has further heightened tension in the area, with residents expressing fears over possible renewed attacks as authorities intensify investigations.
