Fifteen Killed in Benue as Violence Continues

Suspected armed herders have killed 15 people and injured many others in Saai, located in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The state government and a local group confirmed the attack, which happened just days after the murder of Ardo Risku, the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

Residents are worried that this attack, which left more than 10 others injured, including women and children, might be a retaliation for the earlier killing.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Mbajir Development Association (MDA) from Makurdi said the violence took place between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.

“The Association has received with deep sorrow reports that not fewer than fifteen (15) persons were brutally murdered in the attacks, while more than ten others, including women and children, sustained varying degrees of injuries,” said the statement, signed by MDA president Agee Sai and General Secretary Tindiga Aondover.

The group called the attack “heinous, barbaric and gruesome,” claiming it was done by “deadly Fulani herdsmen.” They said these killings are part of ongoing attacks on farming communities. They urged the federal government, Benue State Government, and security agencies to send more personnel to the area and ensure those responsible are caught and punished.

“The continuous loss of innocent lives is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue. Our people deserve to live in peace, cultivate their farms without fear, and go about their daily activities in safety,” the association added.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, calling it “a senseless assault on innocent citizens.”

In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said the attackers were “terrorists masquerading as herdsmen.” He noted that this assault occurred when many farmers had returned to cultivate their lands.

“This attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence,” Mr Alia said. “These enemies of progress have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of our state by targeting the moment when crops are developing and the hope for a bountiful harvest is high.”

The governor ordered security agencies to send more personnel to Saai and nearby communities, start a manhunt for the attackers, and enhance protection for farmers.

While residents think the recent killings might be in revenge for the murder of the Benue MACBAN chairman, security agencies have not confirmed any link between the two events.

On June 27, Mr Risku and his associate, Yakubu Isa, were ambushed and killed by gunmen along the Otukpo-Okudu road after attending a peace and security meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.

The murder led to widespread condemnation from Amnesty International, Governor Alia, and the Benue State Police Command, all calling for a thorough investigation.

The police later reported the arrest of 10 suspects related to the murder of the MACBAN chairman. The suspects are Titus Thyodenda, Utibe Sam, Owoicho Ameh, Sunday Useni, Sunday Ogbanje, Daniel Raphael, Adokole John, Samuel Ogazi, Agbo Daniel, and Onazi James.

Attempts to get comments from the Benue State Police Command about the latest attack were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, did not respond to calls before this report was filed.

These latest killings add to rising concerns over security in Benue, where repeated attacks on rural communities have displaced many people and disrupted farming, despite ongoing peace efforts by the state government and security agencies.