11 Dead, 50 Houses Razed as Akyawa, Udege Kasa Clash in Nasarawa

At least 11 persons have been confirmed dead and about 50 houses burnt following renewed clashes between two communities in the Udege Development Area of Nasarawa Local Government, the Nasarawa State Police Command has said.

The violence, which erupted in the early hours of Friday, involved the warring communities of Akyawa and Udege Kasa. According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, the clash was suspected to be a reprisal attack over the alleged killing of two kinsmen.

The police spokesperson explained that during the attack, 11 people lost their lives, while about 50 houses were razed in Akyawa and two houses in Udege Kasa.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, visited the affected communities on Friday to assess the situation and restore normalcy. Nansel said the CP expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and destruction of property, assuring residents of the command’s commitment to justice.

The CP has ordered an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators and directed tactical teams and investigative units to ensure their prompt arrest and prosecution. In addition, police personnel have been reinforced and deployed in synergy with the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to secure the area and prevent further violence.

A stakeholders’ meeting was also held during the visit, where the CP urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information.

Meanwhile, local sources alleged that the communities came under attack by suspected Fulani militias or bandits who reportedly invaded Akyawa and Udege Kasa late Thursday night. Residents noted that the assault followed a similar attack on nearby Sabon Gida barely 48 hours earlier, where houses, farm produce, and properties were destroyed.

Some residents expressed fear that the attackers had been sighted moving around neighbouring communities before the incident, yet no preventive action was taken. One resident lamented, “It is becoming unbearable. People are living in fear and fleeing their homes.”

Our correspondent gathered that the affected communities, once known for mining and a vibrant local economy, have been severely hit by recurring insecurity attributed to suspected bandit groups. Residents are now calling on the Nasarawa State Government to act swiftly, especially as farmers have begun planting for the new season amid fears of renewed attacks.

The police command, however, reassured the public that normalcy has been restored and proactive measures are in place to prevent any recurrence of violence.