Attackers kill residents in Benue communities

Suspected gunmen have killed some people and injured others after attacking communities in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attacks took place early on Sunday in several communities in Mbazun Ward, including Mbaterem, Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio, and Ukpen. Local officials and a member of the House of Representatives confirmed this information.

Jonathan Modi, the chairman of Ukum Local Government, visited the affected areas on Sunday. He condemned the attacks as “barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.” He also mentioned that the council sent security personnel to vulnerable areas to stop further attacks.

Modi visited hospitals where some injured victims were getting treatment and paid their medical bills. He also helped with the payment of mortuary bills for families who lost loved ones in the attacks.

He praised the Nigerian Army for their quick response to the affected communities. He said their action helped prevent further violence from breaking out.

The federal lawmaker for Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, Solomon Wombo, said the attacks seemed planned and coordinated. He stated that the exact number of casualties was still being confirmed, but that 22 bodies had reportedly been recovered by Sunday.

Wombo said, “At about 1:30 a.m. this morning, suspected armed Fulani Bandits reportedly launched what appears to have been a coordinated and premeditated attack on Tiv communities in Mbazun Council Ward of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, as well as some Tiv communities in Taraba State.”

He urged security and intelligence agencies to find and arrest the attackers and their alleged sponsors. He also asked residents to avoid retaliatory actions.

“Beyond identifying the perpetrators, the authorities must take immediate, sustained, and proactive measures to secure vulnerable communities, strengthen security presence in affected areas, and forestall further attacks,” Wombo said.

Governor Hyacinth Alia also condemned the attack and praised the security agencies for their quick response. A statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, said the attackers invaded the communities early on Sunday, killing residents and injuring others.

The governor promised that his administration would keep supporting security agencies to protect the state. He urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities.

“Benue lands for Benue people. Anyone who thinks the attackers will intimidate us to leave the land is making a mistake,” Alia said. “I took an oath to protect our people, and I will not relent.”

This recent attack adds to a string of deadly incidents in Benue in recent weeks, especially in rural areas. On 28 July, armed herders attacked Efeyi-Utikpi in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, killing 15 people, including women and children. The victims were buried in a mass burial on 9 August.

Another attack in Otukpo-Nobi on 12 July left eight residents dead, with the victims also buried later. The violence has continued despite repeated calls from residents and community leaders for stronger security and protection of farming areas.

The latest attacks happened just days after a commercial bus traveling from Enugu to Abuja was attacked along the Ankpechi-Omutele road in Ohimini Local Government Area on 13 August. Police reported that five passengers, including a four-year-old boy, were rescued during a security operation. At the same time, nine others were still in captivity when police released their statement on 14 August. One of the rescued victims had a gunshot wound.

Community leaders and affected residents have often urged security agencies to increase their presence in weak areas, carry out proactive operations, and prevent attackers from returning after initial assaults. Wombo also called for stronger security around vulnerable communities across Sankera so that residents can safely return to their farms and homes.

“Our people have a fundamental right to live, farm, raise their families, and pursue their legitimate livelihoods in peace and security,” he said. “No community should be forced to live in perpetual fear of attack or displacement.”