Reports from the Kadarko community in the Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State indicate a tragic incident involving suspected herdsmen, resulting in the loss of lives. According to gathered information, six individuals have been reportedly killed in separate attacks.
The violence unfolded with the killing of two residents in the Tse-Abir Azer community on Friday, followed by the shooting death of three Tiv farmers on Sunday. In a distressing turn of events, an alleged reprisal by the Tiv farmers during Sunday’s attack reportedly resulted in the death of a suspected herdsman.
Denis Utsa, the Chairman of the United Farmers Association in Kadarko, confirmed the incident, expressing dismay over the armed herdsmen’s invasion of the Tse-Abir Azer area. He recounted the harrowing experience of residents, including the tragic loss of lives and the escape of many survivors with gunshot wounds. Among the victims was Pastor Kingsley Orshase, a clergyman who succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack.
Utsa further revealed that the killer herdsmen had subsequently targeted internally displaced persons (IDPs) in rebuild settlements within Kadarko, prompting several IDPs to seek refuge in nearby communities. Urgent appeals were made to the state government to intervene swiftly and provide adequate security measures to safeguard the affected area.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Nasarawa State Police Command regarding the incident proved futile, as repeated attempts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, went unanswered.