Tragedy has once again struck in Nasarawa State as gunmen kill Nasarawa prince and two other young men in a shocking attack that has left the community in mourning. The incident reportedly happened on Monday along the Itsiga road in Doma Local Government Area, sending waves of fear and anger across the state.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants, suspected to be bandits, ambushed three youths from the Duduguru community in Obi Local Government Area. Among those brutally murdered was Prince James Delle Iwala, the son of the late Zhe Duglu, His Royal Highness Chief Jonathan Gule Iwala, a highly respected traditional ruler of the Migili ethnic group who passed away in March 2024. The attackers not only took their lives but also made away with their motorcycle, intensifying the grief and frustration within the community.
The gruesome killing has triggered outrage among residents, especially the youth, who are demanding immediate government action and stronger security presence in rural areas. Many locals allege that Nasarawa has increasingly become a safe haven for fleeing bandits from neighboring states such as Kaduna, Niger, and Plateau, where military operations have been intensified. They expressed deep concern that unless urgent steps are taken, insecurity could worsen in the state.
In reaction to the tragedy, the Nasarawa State Government has urged calm among residents and assured them that the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice. A statement signed by Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, condemned the killings in strong terms and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
According to Ahemba the Guadian reporter, the government will not tolerate criminal elements who aim to destabilize the peace of Nasarawa. He acknowledged that there has been a gradual infiltration of bandits and other violent groups into the state but assured that proactive measures are being taken in collaboration with security agencies to contain the situation.
The statement further noted that security operatives have been directed to intensify patrols and surveillance in vulnerable areas, including Doma, Obi, and Keana Local Government Areas. It added that residents should remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious individuals or activities to the authorities for swift response.
“We want to make it clear that the government of Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule will not allow enemies of peace to have their way. We will continue to protect the lives and property of all citizens and ensure that justice is served for the victims,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the government also addressed the recent attack on Sarkin Noma community in Keana Local Government Area, where several lives were lost. Ahemba described the incident as barbaric and said those responsible would face the full weight of the law.
He reiterated that the administration remains unwavering in its efforts to restore total peace across Nasarawa, emphasizing that the safety of residents remains the government’s top priority. He encouraged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by sharing credible information that could aid in the arrest of the criminals behind the killings.
The death of Prince James Delle Iwala has particularly devastated the Migili ethnic group, as the late prince was widely admired for his humility and dedication to community development. Local leaders have called on the federal and state governments to strengthen security along rural roads, where such attacks have become more frequent.
The incident serves as another painful reminder of the rising insecurity across northern Nigeria, where communities continue to suffer from banditry, kidnapping, and violence. As gunmen kill Nasarawa prince and innocent villagers, many are urging both the state and federal governments to match words with action by ensuring that peace returns to affected areas.