At least eleven people have been confirmed dead and more than 50 homes destroyed in a violent reprisal attack on communities in Nasarawa State, authorities and multiple reports confirm. The brutal incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday in parts of Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities in the Nasarawa Local Government . 
According to the Nasarawa State Police Command, the assailants — described as hoodlums — allegedly carried out the attack in retaliation for the reported killing of two of their kinsmen. The violence quickly escalated into burning and looting, leaving entire neighbourhoods devastated and residents fleeing for safety.
Police Response and Community Support
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Shetima Mohammed, personally visited the affected areas, expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to the families of the deceased and other residents. In a statement released by the police spokesman, SP Ramhan Nansel, authorities assured that justice would be served and urged calm among the local population.
“We are working to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement said, emphasizing the security command’s commitment to restoring peace.
Enhanced Security Measures
In response to the violence, police tactical teams have been reinforced, with coordinated support from the Military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The move is aimed at preventing further breakdown of law and order in the vulnerable communities. Security officials also held a stakeholders’ meeting to encourage residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could support ongoing investigations.
Authorities say normalcy has largely been restored, but proactive measures remain in place to avert any recurrence of violence. Residents have been urged to cooperate with security forces and avoid engagement with suspected elements.
Pattern of Violence in the Region
The Nasarawa attack comes amid a broader picture of escalating unrest across parts of central Nigeria. Security challenges in neighbouring states have seen communities attacked, properties burnt, and scores of civilians killed in recent months — a trend that continues to test the capacity of security institutions and heighten public anxiety.
