By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Nasarawa
A fresh wave of violence has rocked the Farin Duse community in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, leaving at least 11 people dead, including a pregnant woman and her unborn child. The attack, reportedly instigated by a dispute over grazing land, has led to widespread destruction, with houses and vehicles set ablaze.
According to residents, the crisis erupted on Sunday morning when a Fulani herdsman, while grazing his cattle, attempted to cut down a mango tree to feed his livestock. A local farmer confronted him, leading to an argument that escalated into gunfire, resulting in the death of the farmer. The incident quickly spiraled into a full-blown conflict between the herders and Gwari farmers, lasting until Tuesday afternoon before security forces intervened.
“The crisis started around 6 a.m. on Sunday and continued for days. As we speak, the entire Gwari community is deserted, and there is still gunfire in the area,” a resident told our correspondent on condition of anonymity.
Amid the chaos, the local police station and several homes were vandalized. Reports also indicate that a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was assaulted, and his motorcycle destroyed.
Confirming the incident, the Nasarawa State Police Command stated that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the violence. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nansel Rahman, noted that security operatives had restored calm to the area.
“The command swiftly deployed mobile police operatives to contain the crisis. Sadly, a mother and her unborn child lost their lives, alongside others,” he said.
A police statement detailed that the conflict began when one Yakubu Kaka reported that a herder, identified as Sani Allah Gaba, shot and killed a local farmer, Friday Danladi Jike. The killing triggered a retaliatory attack on the herder’s settlement, leading to the destruction of homes and further casualties.
Efforts to de-escalate the situation included a stakeholders’ meeting involving community leaders, while additional security personnel from the mobile police unit and military were deployed to patrol the area.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has assured residents that all perpetrators will be brought to justice. “We urge the public to remain calm as investigations continue. We are committed to ensuring peace and stability,” he said.
As of Tuesday, local sources confirmed that gunfire could still be heard in the area, raising fears of further reprisals despite the security presence.