Angry Youths Block Lafia–Makurdi Highway After Deadly Night Attack in Nasarawa Community

Tension erupted in Sarkin Noma, Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, on Friday following a deadly night attack that left two men dead and one person abducted, prompting angry youths to stage a massive protest and block the Lafia–Makurdi highway.

The incident, which occurred between 11:30 p.m. and midnight, comes amid renewed concerns about Nigeria’s security crisis — recently amplified by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” over rising violence.

According to eyewitnesses, suspected armed herdsmen stormed the community under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically and attacking residents.

“Exactly between 11:30 p.m. and 12 a.m., some suspected Fulani herders invaded the community, killed two persons, and kidnapped one,” an eyewitness told reporters.

A community youth leader, Mr. Ogu Iliya, said the assault was carried out by about 50 gunmen, who invaded the village, opened fire, and abducted an elderly man.

He said the youths mobilised in self-defence but were overpowered, leading to the death of two young men.

“Any resident who sells their farm produce and returns home at night is at risk. These gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen, kidnap people and demand ransom. It has become unbearable. The elderly man taken last night is still missing, and we do not know his condition,” Iliya lamented.

The youth leader added that the latest assault was the 12th attack on the community in recent months, leaving residents traumatised and fearful of venturing out after dark.

Outraged by the killings, protesting youths carried the corpses of the victims to the main highway, blocking traffic and paralysing movement along the busy Lafia–Makurdi route for several hours.

In a swift response, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Nasarawa State Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the incident, saying that the Commissioner of Police, Shettima Mohammed Jauro, had led a team of security operatives to the scene.

“The Commissioner of Police has moved to the area with tactical teams to assess the situation and restore order,” Nansel stated.

The attack has once again reignited calls for stronger security presence in Nasarawa’s rural communities, where residents say armed groups continue to terrorise villages with little resistance.

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