Tension at Abuja–Nasarawa border as deadly attack rocks Mararaba community
Panic has swept through a border community near Abuja after a violent attack by suspected herdsmen left several people feared dead. The assault, which unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, has forced residents to flee and raised fresh security concerns in the area.
The incident occurred in Aso A community, close to Jumai Estate in Mararaba, a densely populated area along the boundary between Abuja and Nasarawa State.
Initial reports suggest that at least six people lost their lives, though the exact number of casualties was still unclear at the time of reporting.
Residents linked the violence to an earlier dispute between a farmer and a herder, which allegedly led to the herder’s death. The farmer reportedly fled shortly after the incident.
In what appeared to be a retaliatory move, armed men believed to be herders stormed the community, first targeting the farmer’s home before unleashing a broader attack on residents. Several houses were reportedly set on fire during the invasion.
Eyewitnesses said efforts by locals to defend themselves only intensified the violence, resulting in more deaths and widespread destruction.
Videos shared online showed homes burning, while one clip captured a victim being transported in a wheelbarrow to a nearby hospital.
A resident, who asked not to be named, said many people had abandoned the area out of fear. “The community is almost empty now. People are escaping to safer places like Abuja,” the source said.
Security forces, including a joint team of police and military personnel, were later deployed to restore order, but tension remains high amid fears of further reprisals.
In another disturbing development, a motorcyclist transporting a police officer to the scene was reportedly ambushed and killed by the attackers.
Community leaders warned that the situation is still volatile, with concerns that more armed groups could be mobilised from nearby areas such as Keffi.
Attempts to get an official statement from the Aso A Police Division were unsuccessful, as the Divisional Police Officer declined to comment.
