Six farmers from the Tiv community were reportedly slain by unidentified gunmen in the Kadarko Community of Keana Local Government Area in Nasarawa State
This appalling attack adds to the series of assaults on Tiv farmers in the region, resulting in displacement and fear among the community members.
According to an investigation by Punch , the assailants executed three farmers on Saturday afternoon while they were tending to their farmland. The violence continued on Sunday morning, with three more farmers falling victim to gunfire near the Railway axis of the community.
Expressing concern over the escalating oppression, a resident of Keana LGA, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to address the recurring attacks and land grabbing by suspected herdsmen in the area.
Denis Utsa, Chairman of the United Farmers Association in Kadarko, confirmed the brutal attack, revealing that besides the fatalities, numerous survivors sustained gunshot wounds and sought refuge in nearby bushes.
The invaders even targeted IDP settlements, compelling many to flee to neighboring communities for safety.
Solomon Chunku, President of the Tiv Development Association in the state, passionately appealed for swift government action to restore peace and security in the region.
He lamented the prolonged challenges faced by Tiv communities due to the relentless activities of armed groups.
While commiserating with the bereaved families, Chunku urged his fellow Tiv people to uphold peace and unity, acknowledging Governor Abdullahi Sule’s efforts in facilitating the return of displaced Tiv farmers to their ancestral homes.
However, Chunku urged the government to address the lingering concerns, including the creation of Tiv chiefdoms, to foster a sense of belonging and promote peace and development in the state.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Nasarawa State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of reporting, as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, remained unreachable despite multiple attempts to contact him.
