Unidentified gunmen have slain at least seven villagers in two Nasarawa State Local Government Areas.

The attacks, which began on Friday and lasted until Sunday, were carried out in the state’s Obi and Lafia Local Governments, according to DAILY POST.

ASP Ramhan Nansel, the state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday, saying Gidan Washi Village in Obi and Hangara Village, Lafia East Development Area in Lafia Local Governments were affected.

According to the PPRO, a joint team of the Nigeria Police Force and the Military has been dispatched to the affected regions to restore order and potentially apprehend the culprits of the heinous act.

According to the statement, “On 17/12/2021 at about 1140hrs, a complaint was received that one Umaru Idrisu ‘M’ of Gidan Washi Village, Obi LGA was attacked and killed by unknown armed men.

“Upon receipt of the complaints, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adesina Soyemi ordered the Divisional Police Officer, Obi Division to move to the scene where the corpse was removed and taken to the hospital for post mortem examination but later released to the family for burial according to Islamic rites.

“Security has been provided in the village to prevent the breakdown of law and order as an investigation has since commenced to unravel the mystery behind the attack and bring the perpetrators to book.

“While the investigation was ongoing, a suspected reprisal attack was carried out by unknown persons in Hangara village, Lafia East Development Area, Lafia LGA and crossed over to the neighbouring Kwayero Village of Obi LGA and the following persons namely: Sani Dauda, Danjuma Liambee, Uloho Jerry, Shedrack Kente, Tersoo Clement, Gwanje Soja, and Ayuba Ali were attacked and killed; their corpses were recovered and taken to the hospital by the Police.

“In view of the foregoing, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adesina Soyemi has moved to the scene of the incidents, contacted and held meetings with critical stakeholders in the various communities and urged them to suspend further hostilities and live in peace and assured them that a comprehensive investigation is ongoing, as the perpetrators of the act will not go unpunished”.