At Least 26 persons have been reportedly killed in separate attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities, North Bank area of Makurdi town and Kenvanger and Agbami villages of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.
According to a local source, the Makurdi communities were attacked around 12 a.m. on Thursday, claiming the lives of 25 victims, including women and children. Several other residents sustained injuries. The source explained that the marauders, who stormed the communities in large numbers, shot sporadically and broke into people’s homes, killing those who could not escape.
He stated, “Most of the victims were women and children who couldn’t escape because the attack was unprovoked, and no one saw it coming.
This is an attack in a community that has long been peaceful, so it was very unexpected.
Over 25 persons were killed, and many others were injured. As we speak, many residents have fled, while those still remaining are living in fear.”
Similarly, one life was lost, and several others were injured when the marauders attacked Kenvanger and Agbami villages, both located in Mbatyula Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA.
The armed herders reportedly invaded Kenvanger on Friday at about 1 a.m., breaking into people’s homes while they were asleep. The source also reported an attempted rape of a nursing mother in one of the communities, who raised the alarm.
“Her outcry attracted some men who rushed to her aid. In the ensuing chaos, the armed herders opened fire, killing one person and leaving others with severe injuries. The attackers managed to escape, but the incident has left the community engulfed in fear.”
A similar attack was reported in Agbami village around the same time, where suspected herdsmen macheted residents. Fortunately, no deaths were recorded there, but the people are now living in constant fear.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent Udeme Edet, confirmed the Makurdi incident. She stated that the police were on the ground in the affected communities gathering information and assured that details would be made public soon.