Farmers Brutally Attacked by Suspected Herders in Nasarawa
In a brutal incident that highlights the growing insecurity in rural communities, suspected cattle herders launched a violent attack on a farming couple in Barkin Abdullahi community, Lafia Local Council of Nasarawa State. The assault occurred on Saturday, November 15, 2025, when the attackers first allowed their cattle to graze on the couple's farmland before turning violent.
Severe Injuries and Abduction
According to eyewitness James Ovey who spoke with journalists, the situation escalated when the victims attempted to prevent the herders from destroying their crops. The armed herders quickly overpowered the couple, showing no mercy in their brutal response.
The attackers used machetes to chop off the woman's left wrist in a particularly gruesome act of violence. Her husband sustained serious injuries after receiving machete wounds to his head during the confrontation. Both victims were subsequently abducted from their farm but are now receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Lafia, the state capital.
Second Abduction Creates Panic in Giza
In a separate incident that occurred just hours earlier, gunmen struck in Giza, Keana Local Council, creating widespread fear among residents. The attack took place at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Friday night when armed men invaded the community, firing sporadically before abducting Mr. Yusuf Agbo Nobaga and his wife.
A local resident who requested anonymity due to safety concerns described the terrifying atmosphere in the community. "Nothing has been heard from them since yesterday night. We hope they are safe because there was much shooting. We are living in fear right now," the source revealed.
The situation has become so dire that many residents are considering relocating. "People are even moving out of the community for fear of further attack. We have resolved to taking the challenge to God in prayers as all attempts to end the incessant abduction and killing has failed us," the distressed resident added.
Security Response and Government Assurance
This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of violence affecting several communities in Keana, which have faced repeated attacks by unidentified gunmen over the past three weeks. The Nasarawa State government has responded to the growing crisis by promising to introduce new security measures to tackle the rising insecurity and deal decisively with perpetrators.
However, when contacted about the Barkin Abdullahi incident, Police Public Relations Officer SP Ramhan Nansel revealed that the latest abduction had not been officially reported to the police. He urged residents to promptly report kidnapping cases and notify security agencies about any suspicious persons or movements in their areas.
