Nasarawa Assembly Urges Police Commissioner to Relocate to Udege Communities Amid Renewed Killings
By Yahaya Idris
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to direct the Commissioner of Police to relocate with his officers to Udege Development Area and other communities affected by renewed violence in a bid to restore peace and safeguard lives and property.
The resolution followed a Matter of Public Importance raised during plenary in Lafia by the member representing Udege/Loko Constituency, Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana, who alleged that at least 32 people have been killed within the past three months in a wave of attacks that has displaced hundreds of residents.
Speaker Calls for Immediate Security Intervention
Presiding over the sitting, Speaker Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, PhD, described the renewed attacks in Udege and other parts of the state as unfortunate and warned that continued insecurity could undermine peace, economic activities and development.
He said the House had resolved to urge Governor Sule to direct the Commissioner of Police to immediately deploy and relocate security personnel to the affected communities.
“The resolution of the House is to the effect that we urge Governor Abdullahi Sule to direct the Commissioner of Police to move his men to maintain peace and order in Udege and other affected communities in the state,” the Speaker said.
The Speaker also urged traditional rulers and community leaders to establish peace and reconciliation committees in their domains to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
He further appealed to the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to intervene by deploying additional personnel to strengthen security operations across the affected communities.
The Clerk of the House was directed to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to Governor Sule for immediate action.
Lawmakers Back Motion
Several lawmakers, including Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa’ad, Hon. Barr. Esson Mairiga, Hon. Hudu A. Hudu, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Abubakar, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, and Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Peter Akwe, supported the motion.
They stressed that the deployment of police officers and other security agencies would help restore law and order, noting that insecurity had become a growing concern in several constituencies across Nasarawa State.
The legislators also called for proactive security measures to prevent further escalation of communal violence.
Hon. Kana Raises Alarm Over Killings
Presenting the motion, Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana said the renewed crisis had left residents living in fear and unable to carry out their daily activities.
He told the House that the conflict, which began around 3 April 2026, had devastated Odeni Gida Electoral Ward in Nasarawa Local Government Area.
According to the lawmaker, the attacks have resulted in:
The deaths of about 32 people within three months.
Several others reportedly injured or missing.
Houses, vehicles, motorcycles, food items and other valuables destroyed.
More than 200 residents displaced from their communities.
Farmlands and businesses worth millions of naira razed.
He said the violence had severely disrupted farming and commercial activities in Angwan Mada, Apura Adagba, Udege Kasa, Akyewa, Angwan Ogiri, and neighbouring communities.
“The people can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed,” Kana lamented.
He further alleged that armed herders had continued to invade farmlands, destroying crops and threatening the livelihoods of local farmers.
Fresh Killings Reported
The lawmaker also informed the Assembly that another resident was allegedly killed in Akum Electoral Ward on 25 June 2026 while returning from his farm.
He added that another farmer was reportedly killed at Agam Village on 9 July 2026, warning that the violence could spread to neighbouring communities if urgent action was not taken.
“Something needs to be done. If this Honourable House fails to act immediately, the violence threatens to spill over into neighbouring communities, further compounding the humanitarian and security challenges in the state,” he said.
Assembly Seeks Relief for Victims
Beyond strengthening security, Hon. Kana urged the House to request immediate humanitarian assistance for displaced residents.
He called on the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide emergency relief materials, including food, medical supplies and temporary shelter.
He also proposed that the House Committee on Security and Special Duties investigate the root causes of the crisis and submit recommendations aimed at preventing future violence.
Growing Security Concerns
The Assembly maintained that restoring peace in Udege and other troubled communities remains essential for protecting lives, reviving agricultural activities and promoting sustainable development across Nasarawa State.
Lawmakers expressed optimism that swift intervention by security agencies and coordinated peace-building efforts would help end the renewed violence and restore normalcy to the affected communities.
