The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the death of 11 residents following renewed clashes between two communities in Udege Development Area of Nasarawa Local Government Area.
The communities of Akyawa and Udege Kasa reportedly engaged in violent confrontation in the early hours of Friday over lingering disagreements.
The incident also led to the destruction of several houses, raising concerns among residents about the growing insecurity in the area.
In a statement released on Saturday in Lafia, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the development prompted the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, to visit the affected communities to restore calm.
During the visit on April 3, 2026, the police commissioner expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives.
Nansel said the commissioner reassured residents that the police command was committed to ensuring that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.
According to the police spokesperson, the violence was allegedly carried out by hoodlums suspected to have launched a reprisal attack following 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,” Nansel said.
He added that the attack caused extensive destruction in both communities.
“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 stated.
The police command said a manhunt had been launched to identify and arrest those responsible for the killings.
According to the statement, the commissioner directed tactical teams and investigative units to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators.
“In response, CP Shetima 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 police spokesperson added.
To prevent further breakdown of law and order, the police commissioner ordered immediate reinforcement of security personnel in the affected communities.
Nansel explained that the deployment is being carried out in collaboration with the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
He said the measure was aimed at ensuring adequate security and restoring lasting peace in the area.
Meanwhile, residents have raised concerns over rumours that suspected Fulani militias believed to be bandits were responsible for the violence.
Local sources claimed the attackers reportedly invaded Akyawa and Udege Kasa late Thursday night, suggesting the incident may be linked to earlier attacks in nearby communities, The PUNCH reports.
According to the sources, the latest assault appears to be a continuation of violence previously recorded in Sabon Gida (Gidan Ada Ogiri), where houses, farm produce and valuable property were destroyed.
Residents said the fresh attack occurred less than 48 hours after the previous incident, heightening fears across neighbouring communities.
“It is becoming unbearable. They abduct at will and now invade our entire communities unchecked. People are living in fear and fleeing their homes for safety,” a resident lamented.
The affected communities, which were once known for mining activities and vibrant economic activities, have in recent times been heavily impacted by insecurity attributed to suspected bandit groups.
Residents are therefore calling on the Nasarawa State Government to act swiftly to contain the crisis and protect lives and property.
They also warned that the continued violence could disrupt farming activities as many farmers have begun preparing their lands for the new planting season amid fears of renewed attacks.
