From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a tragic turn of events, six individuals fell victim to suspected armed Fulani herdsmen in the Kadarko area of Keana Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
Chairman, United Farmers Association of Kadarko (UFAK), Comrade Denis Utsa, who spoke to Daily Sun, yesterday, said the violence unfolded over two days, with two people being fatally shot at Tse-Abir Azer community, last Friday.
He stated: “On March 22, 2024, at about 4pm, Tiv farmers at the Tse-Abir Azer area of Kadarko went for their fishing and the Fulani attacked them by the river, which later resulted in the death of two Tiv farmers and one Fulani in a reprisal.”
Tragically, the toll rose when three more individuals were shot on Sunday morning, bringing the total casualties to six within the span of two days. Among the victims was a clergyman, Pastor Kingsley Orshase, who succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Lafia, last Saturday. Comrade Utsa expressed dismay, stating: “The killer herders have invaded the IDPs rebuild settlements, and dozen of them flee back to Kadarko and Giza for refuge. Many of the IDPs farmers are brutally injured.”
The attack, which occurred while the victims were engaged in fishing at a nearby river, underscores the vulnerability of communities to such violence. Comrade Utsa emphasised the dire situation, adding, “Three Eggon farmers killed today, dead body rises to six within two days.”
Daily Sun gathered that the incident has left the community in mourning and raised concerns about the safety and security of farmers in the region. As investigations continue, there is a pressing need for authorities to address the underlying issues fuelling such violence and ensure the protection of vulnerable communities.