At least 11 people have been killed and 52 houses burnt following a violent clash between two communities in Nasarawa State, according to the Nasarawa State Police Command.
The affected communities, Akyawa and Udege Kasa, were attacked on Friday, with about 50 houses burnt in Akyawa and two houses destroyed in Udege Kasa. While authorities described the incident as a community clash, some local residents claimed the communities were invaded by bandits.
Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Saturday, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, visited the affected communities and expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
The police said an intensive manhunt has been launched to arrest those responsible for the killings and destruction.
“In response, the Commissioner of Police 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,” the statement said.
To prevent further violence, the police said security has been reinforced in the area through a joint operation involving the police, the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Authorities say normalcy has been restored to the communities, and security personnel will remain deployed in the area to maintain peace and prevent further attacks.
However, some residents believe the attack may be linked to an earlier incident in nearby Sabon Gida, also known as Gidan Ada Ogiri, where houses and farm produce were previously destroyed, raising concerns about a pattern of attacks in the area.
Security agencies have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities by providing credible information that could help in tracking down those responsible for the violence.
