At least 11 people have been killed, and several others injured, following an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Mbagena community, located in Mchihe Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State. The deadly assault, which occurred over two days, has left the community devastated, with many residents still in shock over the brutality of the attack.
According to local sources, the attackers first struck on Friday night before returning in larger numbers the following evening. Residents recount hearing gunshots and witnessing horrifying scenes of violence. “They came back, shooting and killing anyone in sight. They also burnt homes and destroyed farm produce stored in food barns,” one resident explained, visibly shaken.
The assailants are believed to be armed herdsmen, a group that has been linked to a number of similar attacks in the region in the past. While the exact motive remains unclear, the devastation left in their wake has been substantial. In addition to the killings, the attackers set homes on fire and looted food barns, which has compounded the suffering of the survivors, many of whom are now without shelter or food.
The violence continued through the night, and by Sunday morning, 11 bodies had been recovered. Several other people are still missing, and many injured victims have been rushed to nearby hospitals in Katsina-Ala Town for medical treatment.
Local authorities have confirmed the attack, and the Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Mr. Justin Shaku, described the incident as an unprovoked act of violence. Speaking to the press, Mr. Shaku revealed that the killings occurred between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday. “About 11 people lost their lives, while seven others with serious injuries are receiving treatment in undisclosed hospitals,” he said.
The attack has deeply shaken the community, with many people left grieving the loss of loved ones and unsure of what the future holds. In response, Mr. Shaku, along with a member of the House of Representatives representing the Sankera axis, visited the affected area. They were working closely with locals to arrange for the burial of the victims and provide support to the families in need.
The President General of Mzough U Tiv (MUT) Worldwide, Chief Iorbee Ihagh, condemned the attack, calling for urgent action to prevent further bloodshed in the region. “This senseless violence cannot be allowed to continue,” he said. “We urge authorities to deploy more security personnel to this area and ensure that these criminals are brought to justice.”
In the wake of the attack, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State expressed his condolences to the families of those killed and injured. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor strongly condemned the attack, calling it “a deeply offensive act of cruelty.” He pledged that the government would do everything in its power to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“This level of cruelty is deeply offensive and will not be tolerated,” Governor Alia said. “We are working closely with local law enforcement and community leaders to ensure our people can live peacefully, free from fear and violence.”
Governor Alia also assured residents that security forces had been deployed to the affected area, with additional measures being put in place to protect other vulnerable communities in the region. “We are committed to securing the safety of our people, and we will not rest until those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice,” he added.
The attack in Mbagena is just the latest in a series of violent incidents involving suspected herdsmen in Benue State. For years, there have been reports of armed herdsmen attacking farming communities, burning homes, and killing innocent people. These attacks are often linked to disputes over land and grazing routes, but the violence has escalated in recent months, with more frequent and deadly assaults taking place.
The presence of armed herdsmen in the Middle Belt region, including Benue, has created a growing sense of fear among local communities. In the past, the herders were largely seen as nomadic farmers who moved from place to place with their cattle, but in recent years, they have become increasingly associated with violent attacks. These herdsmen often come heavily armed and have been accused of targeting farming communities, stealing crops, and causing widespread destruction.
The violence has raised questions about the ability of local and state authorities to protect citizens from these armed groups. The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, with many accusing security forces of failing to adequately address the threat posed by armed herdsmen. The lack of effective law enforcement has left many residents feeling vulnerable and unsafe in their own homes.
