At least three people have been killed following a violent clash in Unguwan Yobe, Aso Fada, within Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, explaining that the confrontation erupted on March 25, 2026, over a dispute involving farmland access.
The violence reportedly began when a 17-year-old herder, Ado Yau, was allegedly shot by a vigilante, Sunday Adoye, during an argument over the alleged trespass of farmland.
A distress call was said to have been made by a Fulani community leader, Hardo Gidado, at about 9:00 a.m., reporting that herders had entered Adoye’s farmland around 8:30 a.m. to cut mango leaves for their cattle.
According to the police, Adoye allegedly retreated to his home, returned with a pump-action gun, and shot Yau, who died instantly. The killing reportedly sparked a reprisal attack as other herders stormed the community, leaving four people injured and causing widespread destruction, including the burning of four houses, two vehicles, and three motorcycles.
Two additional victims, identified as 25-year-old Muhammadu Ibrahim and 18-year-old Ado Gambo, reportedly died during efforts by military personnel to restore order.
Security operatives quickly intervened, evacuating the injured and the deceased to Mararaba Medical Centre for treatment and post-mortem examination.
The police confirmed the arrest of Adoye and the recovery of the firearm used in the shooting, alongside the detention of 15 other male suspects in connection with the clash. Investigations are ongoing, while security presence in the area has been strengthened with intensified patrols and surveillance.