Lafia, Nasarawa State – January 1, 2026 — As Nigerians across the country ushered in the New Year with hopes of peace and prosperity following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's optimistic message highlighting economic reforms and projected growth exceeding 4% in the coming year, a tragic violent incident in Nasarawa State marred the celebrations in parts of the Middle Belt. No fewer than four persons were feared killed and over 45 others injured when suspected armed herders launched a late-night assault on Akunza-Ashigye community near Assakio, in the Lafia East Development Area of Lafia Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of December 31, 2025, extending into the New Year's transition, has been described by eyewitnesses and local sources as a reprisal action stemming from an unresolved cycle of violence between Fulani herders and local farming communities. This incident underscores the enduring challenges of herder-farmer conflicts that have plagued Nigeria's north-central region for years, driven by competition over land, resources, climate-induced migration, and a breakdown in traditional conflict resolution mechanisms.
An eyewitness, Mr. Jonathan Adamu, a resident of Akunza-Ashigye, recounted the events in a phone interview with journalists. He linked the assault directly to lingering tensions from previous clashes in 2024, which had claimed lives on both sides. According to Adamu, the immediate trigger was the killing of a Fulani herder the previous Sunday. Two Fulani herders were reportedly returning from a cattle market in Lafia on a motorcycle when they were ambushed on a bridge shortly after the Akunza-Ashigye community. One was killed in the attack.
“The Fulani man who survived reportedly identified one of the attackers by his dreadlocks and concluded that the assailants were from Akunza-Ashigye community,” Adamu explained. “This identification is believed to have prompted the retaliatory attack last night.” Community members described the assailants as heavily armed, invading homes and firing indiscriminately during what should have been a period of communal joy and reflection as the year turned.
The Nasarawa State Police Command swiftly confirmed aspects of the tragedy. Police Public Relations Officer, Rahman Nansel, stated that three deaths had been verified so far: two at the scene and one later at a hospital. “I can confirm that two persons died at the scene, while another later died at the hospital,” Nansel said. He noted that the Commissioner of Police had ordered a massive deployment of security personnel to the affected area to restore calm, prevent further escalation, and commence full investigations. Authorities assured residents that efforts were underway to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.
In the days following the incident, reports emerged of arrests. Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule confirmed during a press briefing that some suspected masked assailants had been detained in connection with the attack, with security agencies continuing a manhunt for additional perpetrators. The governor strongly condemned the violence, describing it as a threat to peaceful coexistence.
Akunza-Ashigye, situated along the Lafia-Shendam Federal Highway approximately 50 kilometers from Lafia, the state capital, is a predominantly farming community with ties to the Migili ethnic group. The area has witnessed sporadic tensions over grazing routes, crop destruction by cattle, and access to water resources—issues exacerbated by the southward migration of herders due to desertification in northern regions and anti-open grazing policies in neighboring states like Benue.
This latest violence fits into a broader pattern of insecurity that has defined Nigeria's Middle Belt for over a decade. Herder-farmer clashes, often involving Fulani pastoralists and indigenous farming communities (many of whom are Christian), have resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and significant economic losses. Historical data from organizations like the International Crisis Group indicate that such conflicts have cost the federal government billions in lost revenue annually, while displacing hundreds of thousands. The United Nations and other bodies have supported initiatives like the Peace Project in Benue and Nasarawa to bridge humanitarian, development, and peace efforts.
The timing of the Akunza-Ashigye attack—straddling New Year's Eve—added to its poignancy. While many Nigerians celebrated in urban centers with fireworks, church services, and family gatherings, rural communities in volatile zones faced fear instead of festivity. Similar incidents marred the transition period elsewhere: reports from Plateau, Niger, and other states highlighted armed attacks during crossover night celebrations, contributing to a grim start to 2026 amid ongoing banditry, militancy, and resource-based disputes.
Governor Sule and state officials have appealed for calm, urging both herders and farmers to avoid reprisals and cooperate with security forces. Community leaders, including the Migili Youth Association, have condemned the attack as an assault on humanity and called for justice. The incident has reignited debates on long-term solutions, including the establishment of grazing reserves, improved mediation mechanisms, enhanced rural security, and land tenure reforms.
As investigations continue, the people of Akunza-Ashigye and surrounding areas remain on edge, mourning their losses while hoping for an end to the cycle of retaliation. This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that, despite national aspirations for economic progress and stability in the new year, addressing root causes of insecurity remains critical for true peace in Nigeria's heartland.
The attack has drawn condemnation from civil society groups and calls for greater federal intervention to protect vulnerable rural populations. With Nigeria entering 2026 on a note of cautious optimism for economic recovery, events like this highlight the urgent need for inclusive policies that address the grievances of all stakeholders in the herder-farmer divide.
