Nasarawa State Police Command has launched an intensive search for suspects behind a deadly communal attack in the Udege Development Area of Nasarawa Local Government Area, which claimed at least 11 lives and destroyed several homes.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Friday, April 3, and is believed to have been carried out by suspected hoodlums in retaliation for the alleged killing of two individuals.
Police Commissioner CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed visited the affected communities of Akyawa and Udege Kasa on the same day. He commiserated with victims and assessed the scale of destruction, noting that about 50 houses were burnt in Akyawa, while two others were destroyed in Udege Kasa.
Describing the incident as tragic, the police commissioner said: “We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident that led to the loss of innocent lives and destruction of property. The Command remains committed to ensuring that the perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.”
Following the attack, CP Mohammed ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and investigative units to track those responsible. He also directed increased security presence in the area, with police working alongside the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to restore calm.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in the community, Mohammed urged residents to remain peaceful and support security agencies with information that could aid ongoing investigations.
Authorities confirmed that normalcy has since returned and stated that proactive measures are in place to prevent a recurrence of violence in the affected communities.
