Authorities say the Nasarawa communal crisis has resulted in the death of 11 persons and the destruction of 52 houses in Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities of Nasarawa Local Government Area, the Police Command in Nasarawa State confirmed on Saturday.
The Command said suspected reprisals triggered the violence and pledged intensified security operations to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The communal crisis occurred on Friday in two adjoining communities in Nasarawa Local Government Area, which lies within central Nigeria’s Nasarawa State.
Local authorities reported that the unrest began when suspected hoodlums allegedly launched a reprisal attack over the killing of two of their kinsmen, leading to widespread violence and loss of lives.
Communal clashes have periodically erupted in parts of central Nigeria due to disputes that may include land, local rivalries, resource competition, or security tensions, requiring coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies to restore order and protect citizens.
The Police Command’s spokesman, Superintendent Ramhan Nansel, confirmed that the Nasarawa communal crisis left 11 people dead and about 52 houses burnt in both Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities.
The statement said the attack occurred on Friday morning and prompted an immediate response by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, who led an on‑the‑spot assessment of the affected areas.
While addressing community leaders and residents during the assessment, the Commissioner of Police expressed deep sorrow over the incident and offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
He reaffirmed the force’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served, directing tactical teams and investigative units to pursue those responsible for the violence.
To prevent any further escalation, the police have reinforced deployments in the affected communities and surrounding areas.
According to the security statement, personnel from the Nigeria Police Force have been joined by the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to provide adequate security and deter potential reprisals.
A stakeholders’ meeting convened during the visit urged residents to remain calm, law‑abiding, and to support security agencies by providing credible information that may assist ongoing investigations.
The police spokesman said the situation has stabilised and that normalcy has been restored to the affected communities.
The Nasarawa communal crisis has inflicted loss of lives and significant property destruction, underscoring the recurring challenge of communal clashes in parts of central Nigeria.
The burning of more than 50 houses has not only displaced families but also heightened fears of further insecurity.
The active involvement of security agencies in reinforcing deployments and collaborating with the military and NSCDC reflects a combined approach to deter further violence and reassure affected residents.
Enhanced investigative efforts may contribute to apprehending those responsible and mitigating risks of renewed conflict.
Effective responses to such crises often require sustained engagement by law enforcement, community leaders, and relevant authorities to address underlying tensions and prevent future violence.
