Aso A, a community located near Jumai Estate in Mararaba, a boundary area between Abuja and Nasarawa State, has been attacked by suspected herdsmen, leaving several persons dead and many others injured.
Salient Times gathered that the attack, which began on Wednesday morning, has so far claimed no fewer than six lives, although the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed.
Sources told Salient Times that the violence was triggered by an earlier clash between a farmer and a herder, which reportedly led to the death of the herder. The farmer, whose identity is yet to be established, was said to have fled shortly after the incident.
In apparent retaliation, suspected herdsmen reportedly stormed the residence of the fleeing farmer, attacking residents indiscriminately and setting houses ablaze.
The situation escalated when community members attempted to resist the attackers, resulting in further destruction of property and loss of life.
A video obtained by our Correspondent shows several houses engulfed in flames, while the body of one of the victims was seen being transported in a wheelbarrow to a nearby hospital.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the entire community has been deserted, with many residents fleeing to neighbouring areas in Abuja and other safer locations.
As of the time of filing this report, a combined team of police and military personnel had been deployed to the area to restore order.
Meanwhile, a motorcyclist transporting a police officer to the scene was reportedly ambushed and killed by the attackers.
Although the exact death toll is yet to be officially confirmed, a community leader said tension remains high in Mararaba amid reports that more armed herdsmen may have been mobilised from Keffi for possible reprisal attacks.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Divisional Police Officer of Aso A Police Division were unsuccessful, as the female Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who answered our call, declined to comment on the incident.
