No fewer than 11 person were killed, and 52 houses burnt when two communities in Nasarawa State clashed on Friday over some disagreements.
However, some locals say the communities were invaded by bandits.
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the death of 11 persons. The affected communities are Akyawa and Udege Kasa. About 50 houses were burnt in Akyawa and two houses in Udege Kasa.
In a statement on Saturday, Police Public Relations Officer, Nasarawa State Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, noted that the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, visited the communities, and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.
He urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information.
“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.
“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.
However, there unconfirmed reports that it was bandits that invaded Akyawa and Udege Kasa.
Many residents believe the attack has links to an earlier one in nearby Sabon Gida (Gidan Ada Ogiri), where houses, farm produce, among others, were destroyed.
