Police fault casualty figures, insist 8 killed
By Idris Ibrahim
At least 40 persons were reportedly killed as a result of reprisal attacks across 12 communities in Nasarawa State, Newsdiaryonline has learnt.
Sources told Newsdiaryonline Tuesday that an inter-community clash in Lafia, Awe and Obi Local Government Areas (LGA’s) of the state was triggered by farmers/herders clash.
It was gathered that the inter-community clash started on Friday morning. However, our source said the reprisal attack was triggered by the death of herdsmen killed by unknown gunmen.
In November, gunmen stormed Ashige community in Lafia LGA and shot two herdsmen dead.
The attack led to a reprisal shortly after calmness was restored back to the community by security operatives
In the recent attack, the affected communities that recorded deaths of at least 40 persons across the three LGA’s include: Chabo, Daar, Tse-Udugh, Ayaakeke, Kyor-Chiha, Usual, Hagher, Joor, Angwan, Ayaba, Tyungu and Ugba.
It was revealed that most of the victims of the deadly attacks were farmers.
ASP Ramhan Nansel Police Command spokesman when contacted Tuesday morning confirmed the incident but debunked the number of residents killed. He said the casualty figures were exaggerated by mischief makers.
In a statement sent to this newspaper, police said eight persons were killed during the attack.
“On 17/12/2021 at about 1140hrs, a complaint was received that one Umaru Idrisu ‘M’ of Gidan Washi Village, Obi LGA was attacked and killed by unknown armed men.”
“Upon receipt of the complaints, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adesina Soyemi ordered the Divisional Police Officer, Obi Division to move to the scene where the corpse was removed and taken to the hospital for post mortem examination but later released to the family for burial according to Islamic rites. Security has been provided in the village to prevent breakdown of law and order as investigation has since commenced to unravel the mystery behind the attack and bring the perpetrators to book.”
“While investigation was ongoing, a suspected reprisal attack was carried out by unknown persons in Hangara village, Lafia East Development Area, Lafia LGA and crossed over to the neighboring Kwayero Village of Obi LGA and the following persons namely: Sani Dauda, Danjuma Liambee, Uloho Jerry, Shedrack Kente, Boniface John, Tersoo Clement, Gwanje Soja and Ayuba Ali were attacked and killed; their corpse were recovered and taken to the hospital by the Police.”
