In a shocking act of violence that has sent ripples of grief and anger through Nasarawa State, gunmen believed to be bandits ambushed and killed a local prince along with two young men from the Duglu community in Obi Local Government Area. The brutal attack, which occurred on Monday, November 10, 2025, along the Itsiga road in neighboring Doma Local Government Area, also saw the assailants flee with the victims' motorcycle, underscoring the brazen nature of the crime amid escalating insecurity in the region.
The victims have been identified as Prince James Delle Iwala, the son of the late Zhe Duglu, HRH Chief Jonathan Gule Iwala—a highly respected traditional ruler of the Migili ethnic group who passed away in March 2024. Prince Iwala's death is particularly poignant, as it robs the community of a potential leader from a lineage deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the Migili people. Accompanying him were Tailor Guyu, popularly known in the area as "Rev Father" for reasons tied to his affable personality or perhaps a nickname reflecting his community role, and Andy Zona Zacharia, another youth whose life was cut short in this senseless assault.
According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports, the trio was en route to a nearby community to pay a condolence visit—a customary act of solidarity in Nigerian rural societies—when they were waylaid by the armed attackers. The gunmen, operating with apparent impunity on a road known for its vulnerability, opened fire without provocation, instantly killing the three men. The theft of their motorcycle not only added insult to injury but also highlighted the opportunistic element often associated with banditry in Nigeria's North-Central zone, where such groups combine terrorism with robbery.
This incident has ignited widespread outrage among youths in Duglu and surrounding communities, who have taken to local forums and gatherings to vent their frustration over the deteriorating security situation. Many young people in the area argue that Nasarawa State is increasingly becoming a safe haven for bandits displaced by aggressive military campaigns in adjacent states like Benue, Plateau, and Kaduna. "These criminals are fleeing the heat from operations in other places and settling here, turning our roads into death traps," one youth leader reportedly said during a protest in Obi. The calls for external intervention are growing louder, with demands for federal troops, enhanced intelligence sharing, and even community vigilante support to complement overstretched police forces.
The attack comes on the heels of another disturbing event in the state, further amplifying fears of a spillover effect from regional instability. Just days prior, residents of Sarkin Noma community in Keana Local Government Area endured a midnight raid that claimed several lives, leaving families shattered and properties destroyed. While details of that incident remain under investigation, it shares eerie similarities with the Duglu killings—sudden, unprovoked violence targeting innocent civilians.
In response to these converging threats, the Nasarawa State Government has issued a strong appeal for calm while pledging decisive action. A statement signed by Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, was released in Lafia, the state capital, and obtained by journalists covering the unfolding crisis. The government condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, vowing not to allow "criminal elements to disrupt the state’s peace and security."
Ahemba emphasized that the administration is fully cognizant of the "gradual infiltration of bad elements" into Nasarawa, attributing it partly to the porous borders with neighboring states plagued by similar issues. "The government is working closely with security agencies to decisively deal with any emerging security threats," he stated, assuring citizens of proactive measures. Security operatives have been directed, as a matter of urgency, to hunt down the perpetrators of both the Itsiga road ambush and the Sarkin Noma assault, ensuring their arrest and prosecution.
The statement reiterated Governor Sule's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, a promise that has been a cornerstone of his administration since taking office. "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 declared. He highlighted ongoing collaborations with federal security outfits, including the Nigerian Army, Police, and Department of State Services (DSS), to bolster patrols, intelligence gathering, and rapid response units.
Furthermore, the government has rolled out enhanced security protocols, including increased checkpoints on major roads like Itsiga, community policing initiatives, and the deployment of technology such as drones for surveillance in high-risk areas. Residents are being urged to play their part by reporting suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest security agency without delay. "Citizens are assured that the state government is working closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to implement these measures. Your useful information could lead to the arrest of criminals across the state," Ahemba added, stressing the importance of community vigilance in combating the menace.
This wave of violence is not isolated but part of a broader pattern afflicting Nigeria's Middle Belt, where ethnic tensions, farmer-herder clashes, and banditry intersect to create a volatile security landscape. Nasarawa, once regarded as a relatively peaceful agrarian state, has seen a surge in such incidents over the past year, with kidnappings, cattle rustling, and highway robberies becoming alarmingly common. Analysts point to factors like unemployment among youths, proliferation of small arms, and weak border controls as enablers of these crimes.
The killing of Prince Iwala, in particular, carries symbolic weight. As the scion of a late paramount ruler, his death strikes at the heart of traditional institutions that have long served as stabilizers in Migili land. Community elders have expressed profound sorrow, with some describing it as a direct assault on their heritage. Funerals for the victims are underway amid tight security, as fears linger that reprisals could escalate tensions.
Youth groups, meanwhile, are organizing town hall meetings to pressure both state and federal authorities for more robust interventions. Proposals include the establishment of a dedicated anti-banditry task force, empowerment programs to deter youth recruitment into crime, and infrastructure improvements to make remote roads less susceptible to ambushes.
Governor Sule's administration, known for its focus on agricultural development and infrastructure, now faces a critical test in maintaining public confidence. While the relative peace touted in the statement refers to periods of calm achieved through previous operations, the recent events underscore the fragility of such gains. Security experts recommend a multi-pronged approach: short-term military sweeps, medium-term economic incentives for at-risk communities, and long-term reforms in governance and justice systems to ensure perpetrators face swift consequences.
As investigations continue, with forensic teams combing the Itsiga road scene for evidence, the people of Duglu and Sarkin Noma mourn their losses. The stolen motorcycle, a mundane item in peacetime, now symbolizes the audacity of the attackers and the urgency of the response needed. In the words of one bereaved family member, "We cannot bury our sons and brothers only to wait for the next attack. Action must be immediate and effective."
The Nasarawa State Government's resolve, as articulated by Ahemba, offers a glimmer of hope, but sustained effort will be required to translate words into tangible security. For now, residents remain on edge, praying that the promised arrests and prosecutions will deter future atrocities and restore the peace that has been so hard-won.
