The Nasarawa State Government has issued a strong appeal for calm from residents following a violent midnight assault on the Sarkin Noma community located in the Keana Local Government Area of the state. The attack tragically resulted in the loss of lives.
Government Condemns Attack and Promises Action
In an official statement released by Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, the government condemned the violence in the strongest terms. The statement, obtained in the state capital, Lafia, confirmed that security operatives have been given a clear mandate to urgently fish out and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Peter Ahemba emphasized that the administration would not stand idly by and allow criminal elements to disrupt the hard-earned peace and security of Nasarawa State. He acknowledged the government's awareness of the gradual infiltration of bad elements into the state and assured the public of close collaboration with security agencies to decisively deal with any emerging threats.
Commitment to Security and Citizen Cooperation
The government reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of all citizens. Ahemba called on residents to be vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activities or persons to the nearest security agency for prompt action.
"We wish to stress that the state government will not allow enemies of peace to succeed in their evil acts against peace-loving citizens. No effort will be spared to sustain the relative peace achieved by the Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule-led government over the years," Ahemba stated firmly.
He further assured residents that the state government is working closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to implement enhanced security measures to address the situation. Citizens were urged to assist security agencies with useful information that could lead to the arrest of criminals across Nasarawa State.
A Broader Context of Violence
In a related development, a sobering report from Amnesty International highlights the pervasive security challenges in another part of the country. The human rights organization reported that more than 1,800 people, including a traditional monarch, have been killed across Nigeria's south-east region in just over two years.
According to data covering January 2021 to June 2023, at least 1,844 people lost their lives in attacks carried out by so-called unknown gunmen, local militias, and state-backed security outfits across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states.
Amnesty International cited one particularly brutal incident from November 14, 2022, where gunmen stormed the palace of HRH Eze Ignatius Asor in the Obudi Agwa community of Imo State. Witnesses reported that about 30 armed men executed the monarch and two visiting chiefs, firing more than 16 bullets into the traditional ruler's body. No arrests have been made in connection with this horrific attack.
Concluding the statement on Nasarawa, Peter Ahemba promised that everything possible is being done to ensure the safety and security of lives and property. "Government remains committed to protecting the lives and property of its citizens and will not tolerate any form of violence," he concluded.
