By JOHN WADA, Lafia

There was tension in Ome community, Jenkwe Development Area of Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, yesterday (Sunday, October 18, 2026) following the gruesome murder of an operative of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Mr. Lawrence Cletus, aged 39.

The victim was allegedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen while trying to prevent them from destroying farmlands in the area.

It was gathered that the incident happened at about 6:30pm close to the river bank in the community, after a complaint of farm invasion was reported at the Ome police outpost for intervention.

According to sources, the forest guard met his death shortly after operatives of the NFSS had effected an arrest over the invasion. He was said to have been attacked, killed and thrown into the river by the assailants.

An eyewitness who did not want her name in print recounted how the herdsmen chased the deceased before killing him.

According to the eyewitness, "I saw herdsmen rushing after him to kill him and I even told the deceased person to run for his life when I saw them rushing after him to kill him."

She said residents later stormed the scene after hearing about the killing and recovered the corpse from the river.

When contacted, the Divisional Command Officer (DCO) in charge of the community, Habib Isa, confirmed the incident, saying he had reported the case to the divisional police headquarters and that investigation had commenced to apprehend the perpetrators.

He urged members of the community to remain calm and continue with their normal farming activities, assuring that security operatives would bring the situation under control.

In his reaction, the village head of Ome community, Mr. Luka Zhemuga, condemned the killing in strong terms, describing it as unfortunate and unnecessary.

While calling on the residents to remain law abiding, the traditional ruler disclosed that relevant authorities have been notified and that efforts are on to fish out those behind the act to serve as deterrent to others.

It was learnt that the late Lawrence Cletus left behind two wives and five children.