The Kadarko Community in the Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State is in mourning following the killing of six farmers of Tiv descent by unidentified gunmen amid a land dispute.
This incident adds to the plight of thousands of Tiv farmers who have been displaced in the southern part of the state due to repeated attacks on their homes and farmlands, allegedly by herdsmen.
Reports indicate that three farmers were brutally murdered while working on a farmland on Saturday afternoon, with another three falling victim to gunfire on Sunday morning in the Railway axis of the community.
Expressing concern over the escalating violence, a resident of Keana LGA highlighted the continuous oppression faced by the community, urging Governor Abdullahi Sule to collaborate with security agencies for a thorough investigation into the land grabbing and threats posed by gunmen.
Denis Utsa, Chairman of the United Farmers Association in Kadarko, confirmed the attack, revealing that in addition to the six fatalities, many survivors sustained gunshot wounds and sought refuge in nearby bushes. He appealed for urgent government intervention to restore security in the area.
Solomon Chunku, President of the Tiv Development Association in Nasarawa State, echoed the need for swift action, emphasizing the challenges faced by Tiv communities due to ongoing attacks. He praised Governor Sule’s efforts in facilitating the return of displaced Tiv farmers but urged further measures to ensure their safety and integration into society.
Chunku also called for the creation of Tiv chiefdoms by the state government to foster a greater sense of belonging and facilitate peace and development.
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, did not respond to inquiries.
