By Our Correspondent
National News – A violent community clash in Nasarawa State has left at least 11 people dead and more than 50 houses destroyed after suspected attackers carried out a reprisal assault on residents of Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities in Nasarawa Local Government Area.
The deadly attack occurred in the early hours of Friday, April 3, 2026, sparking fear among residents and prompting a security response from the Nasarawa State Police Command.
The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the fatalities and destruction following renewed hostilities between residents of Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities in the Udege Development Area.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, the violence was believed to be a reprisal attack carried out by hoodlums after two members of a community were allegedly killed earlier.
Police said the attack resulted in the killing of 11 people while about 50 houses were burnt in Akyawa and two houses were destroyed in Udege Kasa.
The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, visited the affected communities to assess the damage, sympathise with victims’ families, and reassure residents that security agencies were taking action to restore peace.
During the visit, the police chief ordered an intensive manhunt for those responsible for the killings and destruction.
Tactical teams and investigators have been deployed to identify, arrest, and prosecute the perpetrators of the attack.
Security presence has also been reinforced in the affected communities with support from the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, some residents alleged that the attackers may be suspected Fulani militias believed to be linked to bandit groups operating in nearby areas.
Local sources claimed the assault followed earlier violence in Sabon Gida community where properties and farm produce were destroyed.
Residents expressed frustration that the attackers had reportedly been seen moving around neighbouring communities before the assault but no preventive action was taken.
Many villagers have reportedly fled their homes amid fears of further attacks.
The affected communities, once known for their thriving mining activities and farming economy, have recently experienced repeated security threats, raising concerns about safety as farmers begin preparations for a new planting season.
