Gunmen attacked Takallafia, Kwaja, Anguwan Magoro and other communities in Gitata, Panda Development Area of Karu Local Government, killed 14 persons and set houses and properties ablaze in the reprisal attack.

Police in Nasarawa State confirmed that the reprisals were carried out after some persons dealt machete cuts on one 18-year-old Jibo Ali while on his way to Kwaja village in Gitata on Thursday night.

Ali later died at a private hospital where he was receiving treatment, police spokesman, DSP Ramhan Nansel, stated.

Reacting to the development at Keffi (Nasarawa State), Mr Jaafar Loko, Chairman of NYCN in the state expressed shock and sadness and called for thorough investigation to fish out those behind the murders.

He commended the state government for its proactive measures to curtail the situation and called on youths and residents in affected communities to not take laws into their hands.

He enjoined residents to allow security agencies to carry out detailed investigations to unmask those behind the killings.

“The situation is uncalled for. It is a calculated attempt to truncate the peace we are enjoying in the state as well as to create another political tension,’’ he stated.

Loko called on Nasarawa State youths to remain law-abiding; to provide security agencies with relevant information and not allow themselves to be used as agents of destruction and chaos.

“No society can develop in rancour and instability. As the most populous segment of society, youths are prone to be victims of circumstances of this nature and mostly affected by crises.

“Nasarawa State belongs to all of us and we must continue to advocate for peaceful coexistence, unity and development,’’ Loko stated.