At least three residents have been killed when gunmen attacked Akunja Ashige community in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, saying several other people were also injured in the attack on Tuesday.
State Police Public Relations Officer Ramhan Nansel said the command received a distress call after the gunmen attacked the community.
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According to him, upon receiving information about the attack, Commissioner of Police Shetima Mohammed immediately deployed a contingent of mobile police personnel and other tactical teams to the area.
“During the response operation, two bodies were recovered, while nine injured people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals.
“Unfortunately, one of the injured died early Wednesday, while the others are still undergoing treatment,” Nansel said.
The PPRO said that the Police Commissioner has expressed the command's condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The police spokesperson further said that the Commissioner had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and the Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of operations to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attack.
“They were directed to proceed to the area and conduct a comprehensive investigation, with the aim of locating the perpetrators of this despicable act, to ensure their immediate arrest and prosecution,” he said.
Nansel, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, assured residents of Akunja Ashige and its environs that the command is prepared to ensure that all those responsible for the crime are brought to justice.
Therefore, he urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support the police with timely and useful information.
Meanwhile, the Migili Youth Association led by its President, Ajeh Oli Christopher, on Wednesday condemned the attack that left three dead and several others injured in Ashige Chiefdom, Lafia LGA.
In a statement by the association's Publicity Secretary, Samuel Akala Daniel, the group said the senseless act of violence against innocent and law-abiding civilians is a serious threat to peace and peaceful co-existence in the region, describing it as an affront to humanity and shared social values.
“The Migili Youth Association expresses deep concern over the recurring insecurity facing our communities and the growing fear among residents, especially women, children and the elderly,” he said.
The association called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to immediately intervene by deploying adequate security personnel to the community and other vulnerable areas within Ashige Chiefdom to stop further attacks and restore confidence among the people.
“Furthermore, we demand the immediate arrest, thorough investigation, and prosecution in accordance with the law of all individuals involved in this despicable act, to ensure justice for the victims and to serve as a strong deterrent to others who may contemplate similar criminal acts,” the statement said.
