Nigerian police announced on Saturday that at least 11 people were killed in a suspected retaliatory ethnic attack in Nasarawa State in central Nigeria, amid escalating security concerns.

Police spokesperson Ramhan Nansel said the attack, which took place on Friday in the Odigi area, also resulted in the destruction of more than 50 homes. He noted that the assailants are suspected to have carried out the attack in retaliation for the killing of two members of their ethnic group.

The violence reportedly spread to nearby areas, including Akiyawa and Odigi Kasa, while the state police commissioner visited the affected communities and pledged to ensure justice.

Authorities have launched a large-scale security operation to track down those responsible, deploying tactical units and investigative teams to expedite arrests and prosecutions.

Twenty-four hours after the incident, police said calm had returned to the area, though it remains fragile amid fears of renewed clashes. Security presence has been reinforced in coordination with the military and civil defense forces.

Local leaders have been engaged in meetings with authorities, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, while preventive measures are being implemented to avoid further violence.

However, local accounts suggest the death toll may be higher, with estimates of around 15 নিহত and several people still missing, alongside extensive destruction of homes, vehicles, and food supplies.

The attack comes days after a similar incident in neighboring Plateau State that left dozens dead, highlighting persistent ethnic and communal tensions, resource-related conflicts, and ongoing security challenges in the region.