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Expert Faults “Communal Clash” Narrative, Describes Nasarawa Killings As Terror Attack

A security expert and academic, Dr Abubakar Salisu Oloko, has strongly criticized claims describing the recent killings in parts of Nasarawa State as a “communal clash,” warning that such characterization distorts facts and undermines justice.

Dr. Oloko was reacting to statements allegedly circulated by Jaafar M. Loko, an aide to the Nasarawa State Government, who reportedly described the violence in Gidan-Ogiri, Akyawa-Baka, Udege Kasa, and other Ajiri communities as a communal conflict.

In a statement made available to the press, the criminologist argued that the incidents bear the hallmarks of a coordinated criminal operation rather than a clash between rival groups. “A clash implies mutual engagement between two sides. What happened was a one-sided, coordinated attack on innocent communities,” he said.

Dr. Oloko linked the violence to a failed kidnapping operation in the area, alleging that the crisis was triggered after suspected kidnappers were confronted during an attempt to collect ransom from a victim in Odenin Gida.

According to him, the killing of the suspected criminals during the operation does not justify labeling the subsequent attacks as a communal dispute.

He further alleged that armed groups, believed to be operating as kidnapping syndicates, retaliated by launching attacks on surrounding communities, resulting in multiple deaths and the destruction of properties, including over 50 houses.

The expert warned that mischaracterizing the incident as a communal clash risks obscuring the true nature of the threat and could hinder appropriate security response.

“Using vague terms like ‘hoodlums’ or ‘clash’ sanitizes the identity of the perpetrators and may embolden criminal networks to continue their operations,” he stated.

Dr. Oloko called on the Nasarawa State Government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged kidnapping incident in Odenin Gida, which he described as the root cause of the crisis.

He emphasized the need for accurate information in addressing insecurity, urging public officials to verify facts before making statements that could mislead the public.

The recent attacks in the affected communities have left scores dead, displaced residents, and heightened concerns over rising insecurity in the area, with stakeholders calling for decisive action to restore peace and prevent further violence.