32 killed, over 200 displaced in prolonged farmer-herder crisis in Nasarawa community
At Least 32 Dead, Over 200 Displaced Amid Ongoing Farmers-Herders Conflict in Nasarawa State
UDEGE, Nasarawa State — A series of violent clashes between farmers and herders in the Udege area of Nasarawa State has resulted in at least 32 fatalities and the displacement of over 200 residents in the past three months.
The conflict began on April 3, 2026, in the Odeni Gida Electoral Ward and has since spread to several communities, including Angwan Mada, Apura Adagba, Udege Kasa, Akyewa, Angwan Ogiri, and nearby settlements.
The violence has also led to numerous injuries and missing persons, in addition to the destruction of homes, farmlands, vehicles, motorcycles, food supplies, and economic trees, with damages totaling millions of naira.
These updates were presented during a recent plenary session of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly by Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana, the representative for Udege/Loko Constituency. He raised the issue as a matter of urgent public concern.
“The peace of Odeni Gida Electoral Ward has been shattered for over three months,” Kana stated. “About 32 people have been killed, others remain missing or injured, and more than 200 residents have been displaced. Homes, farms, and businesses have been destroyed, leaving our people in fear and hardship.”
Kana emphasized that ongoing attacks have severely impacted agricultural activities, forcing many residents to flee their communities for makeshift camps. He warned that the insecurity poses a serious threat to food production and livelihoods in the affected areas.
The lawmaker recounted specific incidents linked to the violence, including the killing of a resident in Akum on June 25 while returning from the farm and a subsequent attack on a farmer in Agam village on July 9. He cautioned that the conflict could escalate further without immediate intervention.
Kana called on the Assembly to condemn the violence and urged the prompt deployment of security personnel to restore peace and protect lives and property. He also appealed to the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for urgent humanitarian assistance, including food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter for those displaced.
In response, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly passed resolutions urging Governor Abdullahi Sule to direct the Commissioner of Police to enhance security efforts by deploying additional personnel to Udege and other affected communities. The Assembly also recommended that traditional rulers and community leaders form peace and reconciliation committees to address the underlying causes of the conflict.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, described the resurgence of violence as unfortunate and underscored the need for coordinated action to avert further loss of life and property. He instructed the Clerk of the House to communicate the Assembly’s resolutions to Governor Sule for immediate action while asking residents to remain calm as efforts to restore lasting peace proceed.
