The Serene communities of Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas in Benue state were plunged into chaos on Good Friday as armed herders unleashed a coordinated attack, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake.
A family of eight and nine others lost their lives in the brutal assault, which occurred less than 24 hours after residents had raised concerns about the influx of AK47-wielding herders in the area.
“I was in my house when I heard the sound of gunshots and screams,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “I saw the armed herders moving from house to house, shooting indiscriminately. It was like a war zone.”
The attack, which began on Thursday night and continued into the early hours of Friday, caught many residents off guard. “We were not prepared for this,” said another resident. “We had heard rumors of an impending attack, but we never thought it would happen so soon.”
The herders, who were reportedly armed with AK47 rifles, stormed the communities of Tyuluv, Saror, and Mbawar, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. “They came with thousands of cows and started shooting at anyone who crossed their path,” said a survivor. “It was a terrifying experience.”
The attack has left many residents fleeing their homes, seeking safety in neighboring communities. “We are living in fear,” said a local resident. “We don’t know when the next attack will happen. The government needs to do something to protect us.”
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the attack, stating that 17 bodies have been recovered from the scenes of the attacks. “We received information about the attack and quickly mobilized our officers to the area,” said Chief Superintendent Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer. “We are working to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for greater action to be taken to address the ongoing violence in the region. “This is a senseless act of violence,” said a local leader. “We urge the government to take immediate action to protect our people and prevent further attacks.”
As the people of Benue mourn the loss of their loved ones, they are also calling for greater support and protection from the government. “We need help,” said a resident. “We need the government to take action to prevent these attacks from happening again. We cannot continue to live in fear.”
“We will not forget this tragedy,” said a local resident. “We will continue to demand justice and protection for our people.”