11 killed, homes razed in Nasarawa reprisal attack

A wave of deadly violence tore through communities in Nasarawa State at dawn on Friday, leaving at least 11 people dead and more than 50 homes reduced to ashes in what authorities suspect to be a reprisal attack.

The early morning assault plunged Akyawa and neighbouring Udege Kasa into chaos as armed hoodlums stormed the settlements, attacking residents and setting properties ablaze. The violence, believed to have been triggered by the alleged killing of two individuals from the attackers’ community, quickly escalated into widespread destruction and loss of life.

Many victims were said to have been caught off guard, as the destruction occurred in the early hours when most residents were still asleep. The lack of immediate security presence reportedly allowed the attackers to operate for hours before fleeing the scene.

On Saturday, the Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the incident and assured residents that efforts were underway to bring those responsible to justice. In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, had visited the affected communities to assess the situation firsthand.

During the visit, CP Mohammed expressed deep sorrow over the killings and destruction, describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable. He commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives and those whose homes were destroyed, assuring them of the police command’s commitment to restoring peace and preventing further attacks.

The police boss also disclosed that an intensive manhunt had been launched to track down the perpetrators. He emphasized that security agencies would not relent until those behind the violence are apprehended and prosecuted.

Residents, however, remain shaken by the scale of the violence and the apparent cycle of reprisals that has continued to fuel unrest in parts of the state. Community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger security measures and proactive intervention to address the underlying tensions that often lead to such deadly confrontations.

For many of the affected families, the immediate challenge is survival. With homes destroyed and belongings lost, several residents are now displaced, relying on the goodwill of neighbours and emergency assistance to cope with the aftermath.

The attack underscores growing concerns over insecurity in rural communities, where disputes can quickly escalate into violence with devastating consequences. Analysts warn that without sustained efforts to address root causes, including communal grievances and weak security response, such incidents may persist.

As investigations continue, authorities face mounting pressure to not only bring the perpetrators to justice but also implement lasting solutions to break the cycle of violence. For the grieving communities of Akyawa and Udege Kasa, the scars of Friday’s attack will linger, a painful reminder of lives lost and homes destroyed in a conflict that shows no signs of fading.