Six farmers from the Tiv community were reportedly killed by unidentified gunmen in the Kadarko Community of Keana Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. This incident adds to the ongoing violence that has displaced thousands of Tiv farmers in the southern part of the state due to attacks by suspected herdsmen.
According to investigations, three of the victims were hacked to death on a farmland on Saturday afternoon, while the other three were shot by the gunmen on Sunday morning. The attacks have heightened tensions in the area, with residents expressing concerns about the increasing oppression they face from armed assailants.
A resident of Keana LGA, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the attackers as suspected herdsmen who frequently invade their lands and commit atrocities. The resident called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to collaborate with security agencies to investigate the issue of land grabbing and threats from gunmen in the southern part of the state.
Denis Utsa, Chairman of the United Farmers Association in Kadarko, confirmed the attack and stated that many survivors had fled to nearby bushes with bullet wounds. He appealed to the state government to provide adequate security in the area to prevent further attacks and protect residents.
Solomon Chunku, President of the Tiv Development Association in the state, decried the situation and urged the state government to intervene urgently. He commiserated with the families of the victims and called for peace and harmony among residents. Chunku also appealed for the creation of Tiv chiefdoms by the Nasarawa State government to provide a sense of belonging for the Tiv people.
