32 killed, over 200 displaced in prolonged farmer-herder crisis in Nasarawa community

At least 32 people have lost their lives, while more than 200 residents have been displaced following a series of violent clashes between farmers and herders in Udege, Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, over the past three months.

The conflict, which reportedly began on April 3, 2026, in Odeni Gida Electoral Ward, has continued to spread across several communities, including Angwan Mada, Apura Adagba, Udege Kasa, Akyewa, Angwan Ogiri, and neighbouring settlements.

The violence has also left many people injured or missing, while homes, farmlands, vehicles, motorcycles, food supplies and economic trees worth millions of naira have been destroyed.

The alarming figures were disclosed on Monday during plenary of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly by the member representing Udege/Loko Constituency, Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana, who raised the issue under a matter of urgent public importance.

According to the lawmaker, the persistent attacks have crippled farming activities, forcing residents to abandon their communities and seek refuge in makeshift camps.

“For over three months, the peace of Odeni Gida Electoral Ward has been shattered. 

“About 32 people have been killed, others remain missing or injured, while more than 200 residents have been displaced. Homes, farms and businesses have been destroyed, leaving our people in fear and hardship,” Kana told lawmakers.

He further lamented that many farmers can no longer access their farmlands due to insecurity, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to food production and livelihoods in the affected communities.

Kana also recalled recent incidents linked to the violence, including the killing of a resident in Akum on June 25 while returning from his farm and another fatal attack on a farmer in Agam village on July 9, warning that the crisis could spread further if urgent action is not taken.

The legislator urged the Assembly to condemn the attacks and called for the immediate deployment of security personnel to restore peace and protect lives and property.

He also appealed to the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide urgent humanitarian assistance, including food, medical supplies and temporary shelter, to displaced residents.

In response, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly adopted resolutions urging Governor Abdullahi Sule to direct the Commissioner of Police to strengthen security operations by deploying additional personnel to Udege and other affected communities.

The Assembly also encouraged traditional rulers and community leaders to establish peace and reconciliation committees to address the root causes of the conflict, while calling on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to reinforce security efforts in the troubled areas.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, described the renewed violence as unfortunate and stressed the need for coordinated action to prevent further loss of lives and property.

The speaker subsequently directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the Assembly’s resolutions to Governor Sule for immediate implementation, while appealing to residents to remain calm as efforts continue to restore lasting peace.

32 killed, over 200 displaced in prolonged farmer-herder crisis in Nasarawa community