Tragedy Strikes Nasarawa Wedding as Gunmen Kill Guests in Kunza

A scene of celebration and cultural pride turned into a theater of horror on Tuesday night, December 30, 2025, as unknown gunmen stormed a traditional wedding in the Kunza community of Ashige Chiefdom. The Nasarawa State Police Command has officially confirmed the deadly assault, which targeted defenseless guests gathered in the heart of Lafia Local Government Area. The attack has left at least three people dead and several others fighting for their lives in local hospitals, casting a long shadow over the festive season.

The invasion occurred under the cover of darkness, sending waves of panic through the Migili-speaking residential area. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene where mourners and jubilant wedding guests were forced to flee for their lives as the sound of gunfire replaced traditional music. What was intended to be a sacred union between families transformed into a grim reminder of the persistent insecurity plaguing rural communities in the state.

The Migili Youth Association (MYA) was swift to react, issuing a blistering condemnation of the violence. In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Ajeh Oli Christopher, the group labeled the massacre “barbaric and reprehensible.” The association noted that the trauma of the night has left a deep scar on the community, specifically terrorizing women, children, and the elderly who were present during the unprovoked onslaught.

According to Christopher, the senseless nature of the violence against law-abiding citizens represents a grave threat to the peaceful coexistence that the Ashige Chiefdom has long strived to maintain. The MYA emphasized that such an affront to humanity cannot be ignored, as it challenges the very fabric of their societal values. The youth leaders expressed a growing frustration with the recurring nature of these security breaches within Migili territories.

The association has now turned its gaze toward the state government, calling for an immediate and robust intervention. They specifically appealed to Governor Abdullahi A. Sule to prioritize the deployment of more security personnel to the Kunza community and other vulnerable pockets within the chiefdom. The goal, they argued, is not just to respond to tragedy but to proactively forestall future bloodshed and restore the shattered confidence of the public.

Justice remains the primary demand of the grieving community. The MYA has insisted on a thorough investigation that leads to the actual arrest and prosecution of every individual involved in the planning and execution of the attack. They argued that only a strong legal deterrent can stop the cycle of violence that has begun to define the fringes of the state capital.

Confirming the casualties, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Nasarawa State Command informed journalists that officers were dispatched to the scene shortly after the distress calls were received. Upon arrival, the police recovered two bodies immediately, while a third victim reportedly succumbed to injuries later. At least nine other individuals were transported to medical facilities with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

Commissioner of Police CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed has taken personal charge of the situation, ordering the deployment of additional tactical units to Kunza to prevent any reprisal attacks or further incursions. The Commissioner also extended his condolences to the bereaved families, assuring them that the command’s intelligence assets are currently working to track the perpetrators back to their hideouts.

The local atmosphere remains tense as residents grapple with the reality of the attack. In the early hours of Wednesday, the streets of Akunza were reportedly quiet, with many families keeping their doors locked for fear of the gunmen returning. The Migili Youth Association has urged the populace to remain calm and law-abiding, cautioning against any form of self-help that could further destabilize the region.

As the year 2025 draws to a close, this latest incident highlights the fragile nature of security in the North Central region. The transition from a wedding feast to a funeral procession has sparked a wider conversation about the safety of public gatherings in Nasarawa. For the people of Ashige, the focus is now on healing and hoping that the authorities deliver on their promise of swift justice.

The police have asked anyone with information regarding the identity or movement of the attackers to come forward, promising anonymity and protection. Meanwhile, the Migili community continues to mourn their lost kin, waiting to see if the promised security reinforcements will be enough to bring lasting peace to their ancestral lands.