Three persons have been confirmed dead following a violent clash in Unguwan Yobe community, Aso Fada, in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The public relations officer of the Nasarawa State Police Command SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed this to journalists on Thursday.
According to him, the incident began on March 25, 2026, when a 17-year-old herder, Ado Yau, was allegedly shot dead by a vigilante member, Sunday Adoye, during a dispute over farmland trespass.
Nansel explained that the Command received a distress call at about 9:00 a.m. from a Fulani community leader, Hardo Gidado, reporting that a group of herders had earlier entered a farmland belonging to Adoye around 8:30 a.m.
The herders were said to have been cutting leaves from mango trees to feed their cattle, an action that triggered a confrontation between both parties.
“During the altercation, the suspect reportedly retreated to his residence, retrieved a pump-action firearm, and shot the victim, who died instantly,” Nansel said.
The police spokesperson added that the killing sparked a reprisal attack by other herders, who mobilised in large numbers and invaded the Unguwan Yobe community.
During the ensuing violence, four persons sustained varying degrees of injuries, while four houses, two vehicles, and three motorcycles were set ablaze.
Nansel further revealed that two additional victims, identified as Muhammadu Ibrahim, 25, and Ado Gambo, 18, lost their lives during efforts by military personnel deployed to restore order.
Police officer were deployed to the scene, where the deceased and injured victims were evacuated to the Medical Centre in Mararaba for examination and treatment.
The Command confirmed that the suspect, Sunday Adoye, has been arrested, and the firearm used in the shooting has been recovered.
“Additionally, 15 male suspects have been apprehended in connection with the disturbance,” Nansel added.
He assured that a full investigation into the incident is ongoing, while security patrols and surveillance have been intensified across the affected community and surrounding areas under the Karu Area Command.
Police confirm arrest of suspect behind Aso conflict near Abuja, reveal casualty figures
