Fresh wave of violence forces Nasarawa residents to abandon homes, sparking humanitarian concerns in affected area.
Thousands of residents across several communities in Nasarawa State have fled their homes on foot following a surge in armed bandit attacks, deepening insecurity and humanitarian concerns in the North-Central region.
The attacks, which have intensified in recent days, saw heavily armed gunmen storming villages, firing indiscriminately and setting houses ablaze. The renewed violence forced men, women, and children to escape under life-threatening conditions, with many trekking long distances to seek safety in neighboring communities.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that entire families fled with only a few belongings, leaving behind homes, farmlands, and livelihoods. Many of the displaced persons are now exposed to harsh weather conditions, with limited access to food, shelter, and healthcare services.
Residents of the affected areas lamented what they described as delayed response from security agencies, alleging that repeated attacks have occurred with little or no immediate intervention. The persistent insecurity has also disrupted farming activities, raising concerns about food shortages and economic hardship in the region.
Local sources indicate that some of the communities have suffered multiple invasions within a short period, further worsening the displacement crisis and heightening fear among residents.
While security forces are reportedly conducting operations to track down the perpetrators and restore calm, many residents are calling for a more proactive and sustained security presence to prevent further attacks and enable displaced persons to return home safely.
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