At least 11 people died after a series of coordinated attacks against predominantly Christian communities in Nasarawa state, central Nigeria
The incidents occurred on April 2nd and 3rd, 2026, in the localities of Gidan-Ogiri (Sabon-Gida), Udeni-Gida, Akyewa, and Udege-Kasa, in the Nasarawa area.
According to reports from residents and police, about 200 armed men, identified as Fulani militiamen, invaded the villages on motorcycles.
They shot at residents, set fire to more than 50 houses, and caused widespread panic.
Many bodies have been recovered, but some people are still missing.
A Christian resident named Abu Ibrahim, from the Udege-Kasa community, said that the community received warning of the attackers’ arrival around 2 pm.
Women, children, and the elderly were quickly evacuated.
Shortly after, more than a hundred heavily armed men arrived on over 50 motorcycles, shouting and firing.
He stated that the group was led by a man named Zakari, a Fulani who had lived among them for years and whom the community had sheltered in the past.
The local youths tried to resist, but were overwhelmed by the numerical and armament superiority of the invaders.
Residents emphasize that the organization of the attack-with a large number of fighters, vehicles, and planning-does not appear to have been a simple spontaneous conflict between neighbors.
Several Nigerian media outlets described the case as a “communal confrontation” or “retaliatory attack,” but survivors insist it was a coordinated offensive by Fulani ethnic militias.
In an unusual statement, a Fulani militia leader named Yahaya Ahmed admitted to the action and reported that his men withdrew after an appeal from the state government.
He said that, after meeting with the deputy governor, they decided to return home in the name of peace.
A local MP, Onarigu Onah Kana, who represents the region, condemned the attacks as “barbaric and unacceptable.” He confirmed that more than 11 people were killed, visited the affected communities, and reported that security forces were sent to try to restore calm.
However, many residents complain that the military and police only arrived after the attackers had already withdrawn.
These episodes are part of a worrying pattern of violence in central Nigeria, where rural communities, many of them Christian and dedicated to agriculture, are frequently targeted by armed groups.
Security analysts point out that labeling these cases simply as “communal conflicts” hides the asymmetry of power and delays more effective responses.
Despite the announced withdrawal by the militias, fear remains high among survivors and displaced people.
Many have lost homes, family members, and livelihoods, and hesitate to return without a secure and lasting presence of law enforcement.
The affected communities are asking for protection, justice for the victims, and a more accurate account of what has been happening in the region.
Published in 04/08/2026 23h02
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
Reference article: