Residents of Adokasa, a community in Karu Local Council of Nasarawa State, were left traumatised after dozens of armed robbers invaded the area in the early hours of Saturday, killing one person and carting away valuables worth millions of naira.
The victim, an indigene of Benue State, was reportedly shot while attempting to protect his pregnant wife from being harmed during the invasion.
Another unidentified resident sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility in Karu.
The attack, which lasted from around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday until 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, left several other residents injured and properties destroyed. It marked the third robbery incident in the same vicinity, close to the Karu Local Council Secretariat, within the past two weeks.
According to a resident who narrowly escaped the ordeal and spoke on condition of anonymity, the robbers disguised themselves as members of the local vigilante group to deceive unsuspecting residents.
“My recollection is that they were all between the ages of 17 and 30. They came heavily armed and struck my doors until they forced their way into my room,” he recounted.
“They pointed a pump-action rifle at me and demanded my money and phones. I quickly complied and pleaded with them not to harm me. While they were searching my room, I could hear their accomplices raiding neighbouring houses,” he added.
The witness said the robbers blew whistles and even shouted “thief, thief” to confuse residents and lure them out of their homes, creating more opportunities to loot properties.
Another resident, identified simply as Michael, called on security agencies to increase patrols and establish a permanent security presence in the area to prevent further attacks.
“This community is no longer safe. We appeal to the government and security operatives to come to our aid and restore confidence among residents,” he said.
Residents have urged authorities to investigate the repeated breaches and bring the perpetrators to justice.
