The Nasarawa state police command has confirmed the killing of eight people, including a heavily pregnant woman, following a violent clash in Farin Dutse, Nasarawa local government area.
In a statement, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Rahman Nansel, revealed that the incident also led to the vandalization of a police patrol vehicle and the burning of houses and shops.
According to the statement, the violence erupted on March 9, 2025, at about 2:30 p.m., after a dispute between some youths and a herder in the bush.
The conflict resulted in the killing of one Friday Danladi Jike, allegedly by a suspect identified as Sani Allah Gaba.
“Upon receiving this report, the commissioner of police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, swiftly deployed mobile police operatives to the scene, where they encountered a violent mob attempting to kill one Isa Alhaji. The victim was successfully rescued and taken to General Hospital, Nasarawa. The situation was promptly brought under control
“However, in the course of the intervention, the mob vandalized police patrol vehicle and later set fire to a nearby Ruga settlement where the suspect, Sani, resided. This led to the unfortunate death of one Azumi Allah Gaba, a pregnant woman and her unborn child.
“To restore peace, a stakeholders meeting was held with leaders from both communities, consequently, two suspects; Usman Magaji, alongside one Hon. Ibrahim Usman Kaka, who participated during the attack on the police and the attempted killing of the rescued victim, have been arrested for further investigation.
“Subsequently, on March 10, 2025, at about 0647 hrs, the District Head of Kurudu placed a distress call reporting an attack on Farin Dutse village by suspected herders, who set houses ablaze. A swift response team led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Nasarawa was deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, the assailants were dislodged.
“During the operation, three injured victims—Samaniya Wa’azu, Vincent Ezekiel, and Johnson Maikasuwa—were rescued and taken to a medical center for treatment.
“Tragically, six corpses were recovered and identified as Simeon Madaki, Ayawu Senior, Sunday Wa’azu, Vincent Sunday, Taimako Senior, and Filibus Jatau Mai’anguwa. Some houses, shops, motorcycles, and a car were also vandalized during the attack.
“To ensure law and order, the area has been reinforced with personnel from the Mobile Police of 69 PMF Toto, alongside other police operatives and the military, who are currently patrolling the vicinity.
“The Nasarawa state police command remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents. We urge members of the public to remain calm; as efforts are ongoing to arrest all the perpetrators of the unfortunate incident,” the statement read .