Manny Ita –
At least 11 people have been confirmed dead and over 50 houses destroyed following a violent communal clash in Nasarawa State over the weekend, deepening concerns about recurring inter-community conflicts in the region.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday in the Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities, located in the Nasarawa Local Government Area. According to reports, the violence was triggered by a reprisal attack linked to the alleged killing of two individuals, which escalated tensions between the communities.
Eyewitness accounts and official statements indicate that suspected hoodlums carried out coordinated attacks, leading to the deaths of 11 residents. In addition to the loss of lives, widespread destruction was recorded, with about 50 houses razed in Akyawa and at least two more burnt in Udege Kasa, leaving many families displaced.
The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as a tragic outbreak of violence. The Police Public Relations Officer stated that the scale of casualties prompted immediate intervention by the Commissioner of Police, who visited the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment and to coordinate security responses.
Security agencies have since intensified efforts to restore calm in the area. Tactical teams, in collaboration with other security forces, have been deployed to prevent further escalation. Authorities also confirmed that an intensive manhunt has been launched to apprehend those responsible for the attacks and bring them to justice.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement by providing useful information that could aid investigations. While relative calm is said to have been restored, tensions remain high as displaced families grapple with the aftermath of the destruction.
