20 Killed, 5,000 Displaced As Gunmen Attack 12 Nasarawa Communities

Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have killed 20 farmers and displaced 5,000 others during an attack on 12 communities in Lafia, Obi, and Awe Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State.

Ezenwoko’s Blog reports that the President of Tiv Development Association in the state, Peter Ahemba, confirmed this on Monday.

Ahemba asserted that 20 corpses have been recovered with the support of security agencies, adding that many residents are still missing.

He advised both the state and the federal governments to protect the lives and properties of the citizens and ensure that peace returns to the affected communities.

Ahemba disclosed that affected villages include Chabo, Daar, Tse-Udugh, Ayaakeke, Kyor-Chiha, Usual, Hagher, Joor, Angwan, Ayaba, Tyungu and Ugba.

Confirming the incident, Police Spokesman in the state, Ramhan Nansel, said trouble started on Friday when a resident of Gidan Washi Village in Obi LGA was attacked and killed by unknown armed men.

Nansel stated that a reprisal attack was carried out in Hangara village before it spread to other neighbouring villages.

He said: “While the investigation was ongoing, a suspected reprisal was carried out by unknown persons in Hangara village, Lafia East Development Area in Lafia LGA and crossed over to the neighbouring Kwayero Village of Obi LGA.

“The following persons namely Sani Dauda, Danjuma Liambee, Uloho Jerry, Shedrack Kente, Boniface John, Tersoo Clement, Gwanje Soja and Ayuba Ali were attacked and killed; their corpses were recovered and taken to the hospital by the Police.

Reacting, Governor Abdullahi Sule condemned the gruesome murder of the farmers and vowed to ensure that the perpetrators were arrested and prosecuted.

He said this during a meeting with security chiefs, traditional rulers as well as Tiv and Fulani community leaders in the Obi Local Government Area of the state on Monday.

He said, “There was a needless loss of lives of our citizens. Such act of violence is most unfortunate, condemnable, and unacceptable and will not be condoned by this administration.

“I am admonishing you all to live in peace with one another and to shun mischief makers looking for opportunities to cause mayhem.”