Individuals suspected to be hoodlums have killed at least 11 people and burnt more than 50 houses in the Akyawa and Udege Kasa Communities in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Spokesperson of the Nasarawa Police Command, Ramhan Nansel, said in a statement on Saturday that the communal attack occurred on Friday and was a reprisal over the alleged killing of two of the assailants’ kinsmen.
Nansel added that Shetima Mohammed, the state commissioner of police, visited the area and expressed “deep sorrow over the tragic incident”.
“He commiserated with the families of the deceased and the entire community, assuring them of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is served,” he said.
“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.
“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, in synergy with the Military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to provide adequate security and restore lasting peace in the area.”
Nansel further said during a stakeholders’ meeting held as part of his visit, the commissioner urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to support ongoing investigations.
“The Command reassures members of the public that normalcy has been restored to the affected communities, while proactive measures are in place to prevent any recurrence of violence,” Nansel said.
