10 feared killed as suspected herdsmen attack Benue communities

At least 10 people are feared dead and several others injured following attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday. The assaults reportedly targeted parts of Mbazun Mbaterem, including Tse Yawe, Ikpuu, Ter Ukum Orkaa Kaave, and Tse Kyaave communities, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes.

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The people who carried out the attack were more than 300 and they were armed herdsmen who were alleged to have come from Wukari axis of Taraba State.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed three fatalities and four injuries resulting from the attack. According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, the incident occurred around 7 a.m. in Aboajo Village, Mbateren Mbazun Council Ward. The Command stated that additional tactical and patrol teams have been deployed to the area to apprehend the perpetrators, with ongoing monitoring and security operations.

However, sources within the affected communities claim the casualty figure could be significantly higher, estimating around 10 deaths. A local farmer, identifying himself as Mbaane, alleged that over 300 armed individuals entered the area from the Wukari axis of neighboring Taraba State. He described the attackers as herdsmen who moved from settlement to settlement, shooting residents without provocation.

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They were shooting people and moving from one community to another. It was like a huge army of armed herdsmen who came just to kill without any provocation from their victims.

"The people who carried out the attack were more than 300 and they were armed herdsmen who were alleged to have come from Wukari axis of Taraba State," the farmer stated. "They were shooting people and moving from one community to another. It was like a huge army of armed herdsmen who came just to kill without any provocation from their victims."

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Three persons were killed in the attack, while four others sustained machete injuries and were rescued to a medical facility for treatment.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the incident, referring to the attackers as suspected terrorists "masquerading as herdsmen." He commended the security agencies for their intervention and assured residents that his administration would continue to support efforts to protect lives and property. The governor offered condolences to the families of the victims.

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The Command has deployed additional tactical and patrol teams to the area and is making concerted efforts to apprehend the perpetrators. Monitoring and security operations are ongoing.