IBRAHEEM MOHAMMAD
The police in Nasarawa State have confirmed the death of eight persons in a communal clash in Nasarawa State.
One was killed and seven died in an alleged reprisal.
But the North’s mainstream socio-political group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) claimed on Monday that the death toll had risen to 20.
The police spokesperson, ASP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed that ” On 17/12/2021 at about 1140hrs, a complaint was received that one Umaru Idrisu ‘Male’ of Gidan Washi Village, Obi LGA was attacked and killed by unknown armed men.
According to him, ” 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.”
He said 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.
ASP Nansel said investigation was ongoing, over a suspected reprisal carried out by unknown persons in Hangara village, Lafia East Development Area, Lafia LGA, that crossed over to the neighbouring Kwayero Village of Obi LGA, killing the following persons namely: Sani Dauda, Danjuma Liambee, Uloho Jerry, Shedrack Kente, Tersoo Clement, Gwanje Soja and Ayuba Ali.
He said their corpses were recovered and taken to the hospital by the Police.
The police spokesperson said that in view of the raging crisis, the Commissioner of Police, Adesina Soyemi, had moved to the scene of the incidents, contacted and held meetings with critical stakeholders in the various communities and urged them to suspend further hostilities and live in peace.
He said the CP assured them that a comprehensive investigation was ongoing, as the perpetrators of the act would not go unpunished.
Furthermore, a joint team of the Nigeria Police Force and the Military had reportedly been mobilised to the affected areas with a view to restoring peace and possible arrest of perpetrators of the dastardly act.
The CP has also condoled the family of the affected persons and prayed for the repose of the deceased’s souls.