Three persons have been confirmed dead following a violent clash in Unguwan Yobe community, Aso Fada, in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The spokesperson of the Nasarawa State Police Command, Ramhan Nansel, disclosed the development to journalists on Thursday.
According to him, the crisis began on March 25, 2026, when a 17-year-old herder, Ado Yau, was allegedly shot dead by a vigilante member, Sunday Adoye, during a dispute over alleged farmland trespass.
Nansel said the command received a distress call around 9:00 a.m. from a Fulani community leader, Hardo Gidado, reporting that herders had entered Adoye’s farmland earlier that morning and were cutting mango leaves to feed their cattle, leading to a confrontation.
“During the altercation, the suspect reportedly retreated to his residence, retrieved a pump-action firearm, and shot the victim, who died instantly,” he said.
The police spokesperson added that the killing triggered a reprisal attack by other herders, who mobilised and invaded the Unguwan Yobe community, escalating the violence.
He said four persons sustained injuries during the clash, while four houses, two vehicles, and three motorcycles were set ablaze.
Nansel further disclosed that two additional victims, identified as Muhammadu Ibrahim, 25, and Ado Gambo, 18, lost their lives during efforts by military personnel deployed to restore order.
Police officers were subsequently deployed to the area, and the deceased as well as injured victims were evacuated to the Medical Centre in Mararaba for examination and treatment.
The command confirmed that the suspect, Sunday Adoye, has been arrested and the firearm used in the shooting recovered, while 15 additional suspects have also been apprehended in connection with the disturbance.
Nansel said investigations are ongoing, adding that security patrols and surveillance have been intensified across the affected community and surrounding areas under the Karu Area Command.
