BREAKING: Suspected Herdsmen Kill Residents, Burn Homes in Community Near Abuja

Residents of Aso A community, near Jumai Estate in Mararaba, have come under heavy attack by suspected herdsmen.

The area, located along the border between the Abuja and Nasarawa State, was thrown into chaos on Wednesday morning as gunmen invaded the settlement, killing several people and setting homes on fire.

The assault, which started in the early hours, has reportedly left no fewer than six persons dead.

However, locals say the actual number of casualties may be higher, as rescue efforts are still ongoing and many residents remain unaccounted for.

According to information gathered, the violence is linked to a prior confrontation between a farmer and a herder. The clash allegedly resulted in the death of the herder.

The farmer involved reportedly fled the area shortly after the incident, a move that appears to have triggered a reprisal attack.

Witnesses said the attackers stormed the residence of the fleeing farmer but extended their violence to other members of the community. Houses were set ablaze. Residents were attacked without warning. The situation worsened when some youths in the area tried to defend their homes, leading to further destruction and loss of lives.

Visual evidence from the scene shows several buildings completely burnt. In one of the clips seen, a lifeless body was being moved in a wheelbarrow to a nearby medical facility. The images reflect the scale of devastation in the community.

A resident, who spoke under anonymity for safety reasons, said fear has gripped the entire neighbourhood. Many families have fled their homes. Some escaped into nearby parts of the Federal Capital Territory, while others moved deeper into safer areas.

Security operatives have since moved into the area. A joint team of police officers and military personnel has been deployed to restore calm and prevent further violence. Their presence, however, has not fully eased tension among residents who fear another wave of attacks.

In a separate development, a motorcyclist conveying a police officer to the troubled area was reportedly ambushed by the attackers. The rider was killed during the incident, adding to the growing list of casualties linked to the violence.

Community leaders say the situation remains tense. There are concerns that more armed groups may be mobilising from nearby Keffi for further reprisals. Residents have called for urgent and sustained security intervention to prevent escalation.

However, efforts to get an official statement from the police authorities proved unsuccessful. The Divisional Police Officer of Aso A Division declined to comment when contacted.