A new surge of violent attacks in Nasarawa State has intensified fear across rural communities after gunmen and suspected herders launched separate assaults between Friday night and Saturday. The incidents led to the abduction of a couple, the brutal machete attack on another couple, and renewed anxiety among residents already grappling with weeks of insecurity.
Gunmen Invade Giza Community, Abduct Husband and Wife
The first attack took place late Friday night in Giza, located in Keana Local Government Area, when armed men stormed the residence of Mr. Yusuf Agbo around 11:45 p.m. Witnesses reported that the attackers fired multiple gunshots before taking Agbo and his wife to an unknown destination.
As of Sunday, neither the victims nor their captors had established contact with the community—deepening the sense of uncertainty.
A community member, who requested anonymity, said widespread fear had gripped the area following repeated incidents of kidnappings.
> “People are terrified. Many are packing out of Giza. Others have turned to prayers because every effort to stop these attacks has failed,” the resident explained.
The latest abduction occurred despite persistent government assurances that enhanced security strategies had been implemented across Keana LGA. However, locals say the attacks have continued without let-up.
Suspected Herders Attack Farming Couple in Lafia LGA
In a separate incident on Saturday, another couple was assaulted on their farmland in Barkin Abdullahi (BAD) in Lafia Local Government Area. According to eyewitness accounts, suspected Fulani herders had allegedly allowed cattle to graze on the couple’s cultivated land.
When the farmers attempted to stop the destruction, the herders reportedly attacked them with machetes. The female victim suffered a severe injury that resulted in the amputation of her left wrist, while her husband sustained deep head wounds.
Both victims are currently receiving medical treatment in a private hospital in Lafia.
Police Yet to Issue Official Statement
As tension rises across the affected communities, the police have not released a formal statement regarding the two recent incidents. The silence has further fueled concerns among residents, who fear a continued escalation of violence if decisive action is not taken.
Previous Attacks Spark Protests in Nasarawa and Benue
The recent attacks add to a string of violent raids that have plagued communities in Nigeria’s north-central region.
Earlier this month, at least six people were killed and several others went missing after armed herders reportedly attacked two communities overnight.
Sarkin Noma, Keana LGA—Two Killed, One Abducted
In Sarkin Noma, also in Keana LGA, suspected armed herders invaded a farming settlement between 11:30 p.m. and midnight, killing two men and abducting an elderly resident. Angered by the repeated violence, youths marched the victims’ corpses to the Lafia–Makurdi highway, blocking movement for hours at dawn in protest.
Police spokesperson Ramhan Nansel confirmed the incident, adding that Commissioner Shettima Mohammed Jauro deployed additional personnel to prevent further unrest.
Gboko, Benue State—Motorcycle Riders Protest Killings
In nearby Gboko, Benue State, commercial motorcycle riders shut down the town after four of their members were killed by armed men who also stole their motorcycles. Protesters lit bonfires, disrupted business activities, and demanded accountability.
A protest coordinator said such killings had become frequent:
> “Every week someone dies. They kill our riders and take their bikes.”
Gboko Local Government Chairman Torseer Yina condemned the violence and convened an emergency security meeting. Police spokesperson Udeme Edet reported that calm had been restored and investigations were underway.
Growing Anxiety in North-Central Nigeria
The spike in violence across Nasarawa and Benue has triggered widespread fear among rural residents, many of whom depend on farming and small business activities. Increasing attacks by gunmen and suspected herders have disrupted livelihoods, displaced families, and intensified calls for stronger intervention from security agencies and government authorities.
As communities continue to grapple with insecurity, local leaders and residents are urging federal and state authorities to implement more effective measures to prevent further loss of life and property.
