In a harrowing incident that has left the people of Nasarawa State in shock and mourning, a newly-wedded man was shot dead and his wife abducted by gunmen during a violent attack in the early hours of Tuesday in Wulko community, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area.

The tragic event occurred just days after the couple tied the knot in a modest but joyful wedding ceremony attended by friends, family, and well-wishers. The attack, described by residents as cruel and senseless, has further heightened fears over the escalating insecurity in parts of Nasarawa State and other areas of Nigeria’s north-central region.

Community Plunged Into Grief

The deceased, identified as 37-year-old Samuel Akolo, was said to be asleep in his home with his wife, Grace, when the assailants stormed the area around 1:00 a.m. Armed with rifles and machetes, the attackers reportedly forced their way into the house and opened fire, killing Akolo on the spot before dragging his wife away into the surrounding bush.

Neighbors and relatives rushed to the scene shortly after the gunshots subsided, only to discover the lifeless body of the young man lying in a pool of blood. His wife, it was confirmed, had been kidnapped, with no immediate contact or ransom demand from the perpetrators.

“We are devastated,” said a neighbor, Lydia Angbazo, speaking through tears. “They had just gotten married last weekend. The community was still celebrating them. Now he is dead, and his wife is in the hands of evil men. What kind of life is this?”

Local Authorities Confirm Attack

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Mr. Danlami Idris, described the attack as “a heinous act of terror” and pledged that all necessary measures would be taken to secure the release of the abducted woman and prevent future tragedies of this kind.

“This is a terrible loss to our community,” Idris said. “We have spoken with security agencies, and I can assure you that a combined team of security personnel has been deployed to track down the criminals and bring them to justice. We cannot allow our villages to become hunting grounds for these wicked people.”

He added that efforts were ongoing to support the family of the deceased and ensure the safe return of the abducted woman.

Police Launch Manhunt

The Nasarawa State Police Command also confirmed the incident. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ramhan Nansel, the force said a tactical operation had commenced to apprehend the attackers and rescue the kidnapped victim.

“Our officers responded swiftly upon receiving information about the attack. Unfortunately, the victim was already dead by the time we arrived. The Command is working with local vigilantes and hunters to comb the surrounding forest areas,” the statement read.

Nansel urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement by providing any useful information that could assist in tracking the criminals.

A Pattern of Rising Insecurity

The attack in Wulko is just one of many violent incidents that have plagued Nasarawa and its neighboring states in recent months. Cases of kidnapping, banditry, and rural attacks have surged, leaving communities vulnerable and undermining local economies and social structures.

Security analysts say Nasarawa’s position as a gateway between the North and South makes it a frequent target for criminal gangs who exploit its porous borders and dense forest areas to carry out attacks and evade capture.

Human rights activists and civil society groups have repeatedly called on the federal government to do more to combat insecurity, particularly in rural areas where many communities lack adequate policing or emergency response infrastructure.

“This is not just a Nasarawa problem. It is a national crisis,” said security expert Dr. Nuhu Angulu. “What happened to this young couple is heartbreaking, but unfortunately not isolated. We need a coordinated national security reform that prioritizes intelligence gathering, community policing, and quick response.”

Family Cries for Justice

Meanwhile, the family of the slain groom is calling for justice and demanding swift action from both state and federal authorities. Speaking to reporters, the younger brother of the deceased, Emmanuel Akolo, said the attack had shattered their entire family.

“We are in pain. My brother was full of life. He had just started a new chapter with his wife. Now he’s gone. We don’t know where she is or what they are doing to her. We need help. We want justice,” Emmanuel said.

He urged security agencies to work round the clock to locate Grace and bring her home safely, adding that the family was willing to support any effort aimed at securing her release.

Community on Edge

The incident has sent shockwaves across Wulko and neighboring villages, where residents now live in fear of similar attacks. Local leaders have called for increased security patrols and surveillance, particularly during nighttime, when most of the recent attacks have occurred.

“We don’t sleep anymore. Every sound at night sends panic through the village,” said resident Joshua Yakubu. “We need more police presence. We are not safe.”

Conclusion

The killing of Samuel Akolo and abduction of his wife just days after their wedding is a chilling reminder of the growing insecurity facing ordinary Nigerians. As calls for action intensify, the people of Wulko—and Nigeria at large—watch and wait, hoping that justice will be served and that Grace Akolo will return safely.

Until then, the tears of a grieving family and a frightened community remain unanswered.