The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of 11 residents from the Udege Development Area within Nasarawa Local Government due to renewed violent confrontations between the communities of Akyawa and Udege Kasa. These clashes, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, were initiated over underlying disagreements, leading to a significant escalation of violence.
In a formal statement released to journalists in Lafia, the state capital, Police Public Relations Officer SP Ramhan Nansel detailed the response from the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, who visited the affected areas to restore peace. During this visit, which took place on April 3, 2026, Mohammed expressed profound sorrow for the casualties and the destruction of property, including around 50 torched houses in Akyawa and two in Udege Kasa. The Commissioner extended his condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of the police’s dedication to delivering justice.
Nansel elaborated that the violent incident was the culmination of a reprisal attack by hoodlums responding to the alleged murder of two locals. Following the tragedy, CP Shetima ordered a comprehensive manhunt for the perpetrators, asserting the need for swift identification and prosecution through tactical operations by police investigative units.
To mitigate any further deterioration of law and order, the Commissioner directed an immediate reinforcement of police personnel and a collaboration with the military and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure security and promote long-lasting peace in the regions involved. A stakeholders’ meeting was convened during the visit, where the Commissioner called on community members to remain calm and cooperative, providing necessary information to assist ongoing investigations.
The police affirmed that normalcy was being restored to the affected areas, complemented by proactive strategies to avert future violence. However, escalating concerns arose as rumors circulated of new attacks by suspected Fulani militias, who allegedly invaded Akyawa and Udege Kasa late Thursday night. This incident is perceived as a continuation of previous violence in nearby Sabon Gida, where substantial property damages were reported.
Residents are growing increasingly distressed, claiming that these attacks occur with impunity, causing widespread fear and prompting many to abandon their homes for safety. The historically vibrant communities, once rich in mining activities, are now beleaguered by ongoing insecurity linked to banditry, with local inhabitants urging the Nasarawa State Government to promptly act to avert further destruction, especially as the planting season for farmers approaches amid fears of continued aggressions.
