At least 30 people have been reported dead following attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Katsina-Ala and Logo Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State over two days.
The attacks, which also left many injured and several others unaccounted for, began on Sunday morning in the Azege settlement of Tombo Council Ward, Logo LGA. Chief Joseph Anawa, a community leader in Logo LGA, stated that over 300 heavily armed men believed to be militia invaded the area at around 7 a.m. Sunday. “The attackers appeared to be hired from outside Nigeria, as they looked different from the herdsmen we have around,” Anawa said. “They stormed the community with sophisticated weapons, overwhelming local security operatives.
It was only after a military jet intervened that the attackers were repelled.” Anawa confirmed that over 20 bodies had been recovered as of Monday, with a search for more victims ongoing.
On Monday morning, armed herdsmen also attacked Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in Utange Council Ward, Shitile, Katsina-Ala LGA. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants killed over 10 people and destroyed properties.
Security operatives and the military reportedly managed to repel the attackers after significant damage had been done. The Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, confirmed the attacks, describing the security situation as dire. “Many heavily armed men stormed Adabo village and Tse Gwebe, killing residents, looting properties, and destroying valuables,” Shaku said.
The Chairman of Logo LGA, Clement Kev, corroborated the reports of attacks in Tombo Council Ward, claiming the assailants came from Nasarawa State. “They killed 17 people and injured over 30 in my area.
The governor has mobilized more security to the affected locations, and peace has been restored,” Kev stated. The attacks highlight the ongoing security challenges in Benue State, which has frequently been targeted by armed herdsmen. Authorities have vowed to intensify efforts to protect lives and property in the region.
