The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt for perpetrators of a deadly communal attack in Udege Development Area of Nasarawa Local Government Area, which left at least 11 people dead and several homes destroyed.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, visited the affected communities of Akyawa and Udege Kasa yesterday, where he expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and condoled with grieving families.
According to the police, the attack occurred in the early hours of the day and is suspected to be a reprisal following the alleged killing of two individuals from a rival group. In the violence that ensued, 11 persons lost their lives, about 50 houses were burnt in Akyawa, while two others were destroyed in Udege Kasa.
Condemning the killings, CP Shetima assured residents of the Command’s commitment to justice, ordering tactical teams and investigators to track down and prosecute those responsible.
To forestall further violence, the police have reinforced security presence in the area, working in collaboration with the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to restore peace and maintain order.
A stakeholders’ meeting was also convened during the visit, where community members were urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and support security agencies with credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
The Police Command reassured the public that normalcy has been restored in the affected communities, adding that proactive measures have been put in place to prevent any recurrence of violence.