3 killed, 9 injured in Nasarawa community

Gunmen have attacked Kunza community in Ashigye village in Lafia LGA of Nasarawa State, killed three people and injured nine others. The attack, which occurred around 10pm on Tuesday, took place on the Lafia–Shendam highway, about 50 kilometres from Lafia. Sources linked the attack to an unresolved crisis between herdsmen and the host community, which […]

Gunmen have attacked Kunza community in Ashigye village in Lafia LGA of Nasarawa State, killed three people and injured nine others.

The attack, which occurred around 10pm on Tuesday, took place on the Lafia–Shendam highway, about 50 kilometres from Lafia.

Sources linked the attack to an unresolved crisis between herdsmen and the host community, which reportedly led to killings on both sides last year.

The sources also alleged that the violence was connected to an incident last Sunday in which two herdsmen were reportedly ambushed near a bridge close to the Akunza-Ashigye community, resulting in the death of one.

According to them, the surviving herdsman identified one of the attackers, sparking a retaliatory attack.

The Migili ethnic group, which inhabits the area, confirmed the incident and condemned the attack.

The President of the Migili Youth Association, Sheh Oli Christopher, described it as “barbaric and reprehensible.”

He expressed concern over recurring insecurity in the area and the growing fear among residents, particularly women, children and the elderly, and called on the state government to deploy more security personnel to vulnerable communities and ensure justice for the victims.

However, the Nasarawa State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Bala Dabo, denied allegations that Fulani herdsmen were responsible for the attack.

While acknowledging that an attack occurred, Dabo said investigation revealed that three Fulani were attacked on a market day, with one killed, but that the family of the victim did not identify the attackers or link the incident to the community, attributing it instead to armed robbers.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) of the state, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, ordered a comprehensive investigation and deployed tactical teams to the area, assuring residents that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.