At least 11 people lost their lives, and over 50 houses were set ablaze in a communal clash in Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities of Nasarawa Local Government Area on Friday.
SP Ramhan Nansel, the spokesman for the Nasarawa State Police Command, confirmed the tragedy in a statement on Saturday from Lafia.
He explained that suspected hoodlums launched the attack as revenge for the alleged killing of two of their relatives.
“In the course of the attack, 11 people were killed, while about 52 houses were burnt in the two communities,” Nansel said.
According to him, Shetima Mohammed, the Commissioner of Police in the state, personally visited the affected communities to assess the damage and make sure peace returned.
The CP expressed deep sorrow over the incident, commiserated with the families of the victims, and assured residents of the Command’s commitment to delivering justice.
Nansel added that the CP has ordered a full-scale manhunt for those behind the attack, directing tactical and investigative teams to ensure they are promptly identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
“To prevent any further breakdown of law and order, the Commissioner of Police has also directed the immediate reinforcement and sustained deployment of Police personnel to the affected areas,” he said.
The police are also working with the Military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to provide proper security and restore lasting peace in the communities.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in the affected area, the CP urged residents to stay calm, follow the law, and help security agencies with credible information to support ongoing investigations.
Nansel reassured the public that normalcy had returned to the communities and that proactive measures were being taken to prevent another outbreak of violence.
