. Residents flee as attackers raze many houses
Suspected herdsmen, on Wednesday, killed several people and injured many others during an attack on Aso A, a community located near Jumai Estate in Mararaba, a boundary area between Abuja and Nasarawa State.
It was gathered that the attack, which began on Wednesday morning, has already claimed no fewer than six lives, although the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed.
Residents said the violence was triggered by an earlier clash between a farmer and a herder in which the herder was reportedly killed. 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, however, degenerated when other residents attempted to resist the attackers, resulting in further destruction of property and loss of lives.
A viral video of the incident 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.
The police had yet to issue any official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
