The Nasarawa State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed the killing of seven persons in a night on Kadarko, a village in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Kennedy Idirisu, police Public Relations Officer, said the victims were attacked by gunmen that invaded the village on Monday.
He described the incident as “saddening”, saying that a special police team, led by a senior officer, had been deployed to the area to forestall a recurrence.
Kadarko village had come under severe attacks lately, with cattle rustlers killing 73 cows on Sunday.
Two herdsmen were reported missing after the rustlers’ invasion.
Alhaji Ahmed Bello, the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa, visited the village on Sunday and assured the herders that investigation had commenced toward apprehending the rustlers.
Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Al-Makura condemned the attack.
Al-Makura, who visited the community on Tuesday with security chiefs in the state, commiserated with families of the victims and the people of the area over the incident.
“Suspected cattle rustlers killed 73 cows and abducted two herdsmen on Sunday, while seven villagers were murdered on Monday.
“A unit of Mobile Police Force will be deployed to the area in the meantime, with military surveillance to allay the palpable fear and tension in the community.
“The police helicopter will provide aerial surveillance of the area to identify where the attackers were coming from.
“I want to advise those living in isolated settlements to relocate to Kadarko metropolis for their safety,’’ he said.
The Governor also appealed to the people of the community to suspend going to the farm pending improved security.
He also called on the people to remain calm and avoid panic relocation from Kadarko, adding that the mass movement from the community would heighten tension in other communities in the area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that most of the rural settlements around Kadarko, such as Gaav-Giza, Ngur-Giza, Gidan-Sule and Sarkin-noma have been totally deserted because of the situation.
Also, aged men, women and children are taking refuge in Kadarko Primary School, while others are moving out of the town in large numbers with their luggages.