The Nigeria Police Force in Nasarawa State has confirmed the killing of at least 11 persons following a violent clash between residents of Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities in Nasarawa Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, also left widespread destruction in its wake, with about 50 houses burnt in Akyawa and two others destroyed in Udege Kasa, further heightening tension across the affected communities.
Confirming the development on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the clash was a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by hoodlums over the killing of two of their kinsmen.
“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,” he said.
Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, visited the communities on April 3, 2026, to assess the situation and coordinate immediate security response efforts.
During the visit, the police chief commiserated with families of the victims and assured residents that those responsible for the killings and destruction would be apprehended and prosecuted.
He subsequently ordered an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators, directing tactical teams and investigative units to ensure their swift identification and arrest.
To prevent further escalation, security has been reinforced in the area, with police operatives working in collaboration with the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to restore calm and maintain law and order.
The police command also convened a stakeholders’ meeting with community leaders, urging residents to remain calm and support ongoing investigations by providing credible information.
“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.
However, some residents and local sources expressed concern that the attacks may be linked to suspected armed groups believed to be bandits, noting that similar incidents had been reported in neighbouring communities in recent days.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, described the situation as worsening, alleging that armed groups now operate with increasing boldness.
“It is becoming unbearable. They abduct at will and now invade entire communities unchecked. People are living in fear and fleeing their homes for safety,” the source said.
The affected communities, once known for thriving mining and economic activities, have in recent times faced growing insecurity, forcing many residents to abandon their homes.
Community members have now called on government authorities to take urgent and decisive action to halt the violence, especially as the farming season approaches amid fears of further attacks.
