A communal clash between Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities in Nasarawa local government area of Nasarawa State claimed 13 lives at the weekend.

Our correspondent gathered yesterday that 52 houses were burnt with properties destroyed in the clash which also left many people injured.

Police spokesman SP Ramhan Nansel confirmed the clash to our correspondent in Lafia yesterday.

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According to him, the commissioner of police, Shettima Jauro, who visited the affected communities after the incident on Friday, expressed sadness over the killings and destruction of properties by both sides.

He said tension escalated following a reprisal by some hoodlums over the alleged killing of two of their kinsmen.

Explaining further, he said in the ensuing clash, 11 persons lost their lives, while about 50 houses were burnt in Akyawa and two in Udege Kasa.

He noted that CP Shetima had since ordered an intensive manhunt for all perpetrators of the act, directing tactical teams and investigative units to ensure their prompt identification, arrest and prosecution.

"To prevent any further breakdown of law and order, the commissioner of police has also directed the immediate reinforcement and sustained deployment of police personnel in synergy with the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to provide adequate security and restore lasting peace in the area.

"A stakeholders' meeting was held during the visit, where the CP urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to support ongoing investigations.

"The command reassures members of the public that normalcy has been restored to the affected communities, while proactive measures are in place to prevent any recurrence of violence," he said.