In a shocking attack on Friday, suspected armed herders launched a deadly assault on two Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State, leaving at least 17 people dead and many others injured. The attack occurred in the Ukum and Logo LGAs, areas that have been grappling with security challenges linked to clashes between farmers and herders.
According to the Police Command in Benue, the violence unfolded late Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday. Police spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed that five people were killed in Ukum LGA, while 12 more were killed in Logo LGA. Many others sustained serious injuries and were reportedly receiving treatment in various hospitals across the state.
The bloody assault began on Thursday night, around 9 p.m. on April 17, when a large group of armed herders, believed to be militia members, invaded the Sankera axis of Benue State. The attackers targeted communities around Gbagir in Ukum LGA with the intent to cause widespread destruction.
Upon receiving the distress report, the Commissioner of Police for Benue State, CP Steve Yabanet, swiftly mobilized tactical teams to the area, deploying officers from the police force and other security agencies to prevent the attackers from wreaking further havoc. However, as security forces engaged the herders in a bid to repel them, the attackers fired sporadically at unsuspecting farmers who were going about their activities.
In Ukum LGA, five victims were found in the Gbagir area and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were confirmed dead. While police forces worked tirelessly to secure the area, an even more devastating attack took place in Logo LGA.
In Logo, a simultaneous attack by the same group of assailants resulted in the death of 12 more victims. This attack occurred before the arrival of the police, adding to the already horrific toll. By the time security forces were able to reach Logo and Ukum, 17 people had tragically lost their lives, and many others were injured, their fates still uncertain as they were being treated in local hospitals.
The police report indicated that the assailants fled into the dense forests near the Taraba axis as they were being pursued by security forces. The ongoing clash between the armed herders and police forces in the Sankera region was described as intense, with both sides reportedly engaging in combat as the attackers retreated.
The Benue State Police Command has expressed grave concern over the spread of unverified reports on social media that could incite further panic and tension among the public. SP Anene warned social media users against circulating such unconfirmed information, emphasizing that such actions could escalate the already fragile security situation in the state.
“The Police Command is aware of certain unconfirmed reports circulating online. These reports, if left unchecked, can stir unnecessary panic and create more confusion,” Anene stated. “We urge all social media users to refrain from spreading such rumors, as it may cause more harm than good.”
The police spokesperson reiterated that the security agencies were determined to take action against the assailants and assured the residents of Sankera that the authorities were committed to ensuring their safety. She also called on the people of the affected communities to continue cooperating with the security forces as they work to restore order.
The Sankera axis, which covers parts of Ukum, Logo, and other neighboring areas, has long been a hotbed of conflict between herders and farmers. Over the years, clashes over land, water resources, and grazing routes have left hundreds dead and countless others displaced. Tensions have been heightened in recent months as these groups fight for control over agricultural lands in the region.
The recent attack has exacerbated an already volatile situation in Benue State, where communities have frequently called for stronger measures to address the rising insecurity. The governor of Benue, Samuel Ortom, has been vocal in his condemnation of violent herder-farmer conflicts, calling for an end to the bloodshed that has plagued his state for years.
Local residents, many of whom rely on farming as their primary means of livelihood, have expressed deep frustration with the ongoing insecurity. “We are living in fear every day,” one local resident told reporters. “The herders attack our villages, kill our people, and we don’t feel safe anymore. We just want peace.”
In response to the attack, Governor Ortom condemned the violence, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims and calling for swift action against the perpetrators. He also appealed to the Federal Government for more support in addressing the security challenges facing Benue State, urging a more coordinated approach to tackling the issue of armed militia and bandits in the region.
The Governor has long advocated for stricter enforcement of anti-grazing laws in the state, which have been a source of tension between local farmers and herders. He has also called for the establishment of a state police force to better manage local security challenges.
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The people of Benue, especially those in the Sankera axis, have long been calling for greater protection from the violence that continues to plague their communities. Many have expressed their disillusionment with the slow pace of justice and the lack of visible improvements in security despite the numerous attacks over the years.
“We don’t want to live in fear anymore,” another resident of the region said. “We want the government to take action, hold the criminals accountable, and ensure that no more innocent lives are lost to these senseless attacks.”
As the investigation into the killings continues, the hope remains that the attackers will be brought to justice, and the residents of the affected communities will finally be able to live in peace.
