A feud between farmers and herders in Nasarawa State’s Lafia, Obi, and Awe local government areas has reportedly resulted in the deaths of 20 persons and the injuries of 27 others.
The killings, which are the result of increasing antagonism between farmers and herders in the area, began on Friday morning and lasted until Sunday night, according to reports.
According to the Daily Trust, at least 5,000 farmers have been displaced as a result of the attacks in the three local government regions, according to a source.
Some of individuals who were injured are being treated in hospitals in the Obi, Lafia, and Awe local government areas, according to reports.
ASP Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Nasarawa State Command, confirmed that a report was filed on Friday.
He did, however, estimate the number of those that died to be eight.
Mr Peter Ahemba, the Nasarawa State President of Tiv Development Association (TID), spoke about the development, saying that over 20 bodies of his kinsmen had been discovered among the 12 affected localities in the state’s three local government areas.
Chabo, Daar, Tse-Udugh, Ayaakeke, Kyor-Chiha, Usual, Hagher, Joor, Angwan, Ayaba, Tyungu, and Ugba were among the names.
“Over 5,000 persons have been displaced and are taking refuge in Obi and Agwatashi towns while some of them have relocated to their relatives in Lafia Local Government Area of the state.
“Many are still missing in the bush and we don’t know whether they are alive or dead, Tiv people did not do anything that would warrant this attack,” he noted.
He called on both the state and the federal governments to deploy security operatives to the affected areas to restore law and order.
Meanwhile, Governor Abdullahi Sule on Monday disclosed that his administration had launched a manhunt of the killers of Fulani herder and Tiv farmers in the state at the weekend.
He said that his administration would protect the life and property of citizens in the state. Asserted that the community leaders should avoid making spurious claims to give wrong impression within and outside the state.
“There was 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.
“Relief materials will be sent to displaced persons and government will work with all stakeholders to ensure that they return to their communities and businesses as soon as possible,” he added.
