Nigeria: 11 killed, 52 houses destroyed in Nasarawa communal crisis .

Nasarawa Communal Crisis: 11 Killed, 52 Houses Destroyed

The Police Command in Nasarawa State has confirmed that 11 individuals were killed and over 50 houses were destroyed in a recent communal crisis. The tragic events unfolded on Friday in the communities of Akyawa and Udege Kasa, located in the Nasarawa Local Government Area.

Incident Overview.

SP Ramhan Nansel, the spokesperson for the Command, released a statement on Saturday from Lafia detailing the incident. According to Nansel, the crisis erupted on Friday morning following a reprisal attack by suspected hoodlums. This attack was allegedly in response to the killing of two of their kinsmen. As a result, 11 lives were lost, and approximately 52 homes were set ablaze across the two communities.

Police Response.

The Commissioner of Police for Nasarawa State, Shetima Mohammed, promptly led a team to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas. The Commissioner expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life and destruction, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and the wider communities. He assured the public of the Command's dedication to ensuring justice is served.

Measures Taken.

1. Manhunt and Investigation: The CP has initiated an intensive search for those responsible for the attack.

Tactical teams and investigative units have been directed to identify, arrest, and prosecute the perpetrators promptly.

1. Enhanced Security: To avert further unrest, the Commissioner has ordered the reinforcement and continuous deployment of police personnel to the affected areas. The police are working in concert with the Military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to restore security and peace.

Community Engagement.

During the visit, a stakeholders' meeting was convened, where the CP encouraged residents to remain calm and law-abiding. He also urged them to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid the ongoing investigations.

Assurance of Safety.

The police spokesperson reassured the public that normalcy has been restored in the affected communities. Proactive measures have been implemented to prevent any recurrence of such violence. The Command remains committed to maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of all residents in the region.