Gunmen kill residents in Benue communities

Communities in Benue State, Nigeria, are reeling after suspected armed attackers killed an unknown number of residents and injured others in a series of raids early Sunday. The attacks targeted several communities in Mbazun Ward, Ukum Local Government Area, including Mbaterem, Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio, and Ukpen.

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barbaric, senseless and unacceptable

Jonathan Modi, the chairman of Ukum Local Government, visited the affected areas and condemned the violence as "barbaric, senseless and unacceptable." He deployed security personnel to vulnerable areas and visited injured victims in hospitals, covering their medical bills and mortuary expenses for families who lost relatives. Modi commended the Nigerian Army's swift response for preventing further escalation.

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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.

Solomon Wombo, the federal lawmaker representing the area, suggested the attacks were coordinated and premeditated. As of Sunday, 22 bodies had reportedly been recovered. Wombo urged security agencies to identify and arrest the perpetrators and their sponsors, while also calling on residents to avoid retaliatory attacks and for authorities to implement sustained security measures.

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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.

Governor Hyacinth Alia also condemned the attack, praising security agencies for their prompt response. He stated that his administration would continue to support security efforts and urged residents to remain vigilant. "Benue lands for Benue people. Anyone who thinks the attackers will intimidate us to leave the land is making a mistake," Alia declared, vowing to protect his people.

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Benue lands for Benue people. Anyone who thinks the attackers will intimidate us to leave the land is making a mistake.