Suspected herdsmen attack Mararaba’s Aso A community near Abuja border, killing several people, burning houses, and forcing mass displacement
Suspected herdsmen on Wednesday attacked Aso A community near Jumai Estate in Mararaba, a boundary settlement between Abuja and Nasarawa State, leaving at least six people dead, several others injured, and dozens of residents displaced.
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The Mararaba herdsmen attack reportedly began in the morning and escalated into widespread violence, with homes set ablaze and residents fleeing for safety amid sustained gunfire and chaos.
According to local sources, the violence was triggered by an earlier confrontation between a farmer and a herder, which resulted in the death of the herder.
The farmer allegedly fled the scene shortly after the incident.
In a reprisal attack, armed assailants reportedly stormed the farmer’s residence and launched an indiscriminate assault on residents, burning houses and attacking anyone in sight.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the situation worsened when members of the community attempted to resist the attackers, leading to further casualties and destruction of property.
A disturbing video obtained from the scene showed several houses engulfed in flames, while the body of a victim was seen being transported in a wheelbarrow to a nearby medical facility.
Residents said the entire community has since been deserted, with many fleeing to nearby parts of Abuja and other safer locations as fear spread across the area.
A combined team of police and military personnel has reportedly been deployed to restore order and prevent further escalation of violence in the border community.
However, tension remained high as community leaders warned of possible further attacks, alleging that more armed groups may be mobilising from nearby areas.
In a further tragic development, a motorcyclist conveying a police officer to the scene was reportedly ambushed and killed by the attackers.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement confirming the full casualty figure, while efforts to reach the Divisional Police Officer of Aso A Police Division for comment were unsuccessful.
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Security operations are expected to continue in the area as officials work to restore calm and prevent retaliatory violence.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
