Seventeen people have been confirmed dead following attacks in Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area, and Logo Local Government Area, both located in the Sankera axis of Benue State.
The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Sewuese Anene, disclosed in a statement on Friday that a large group of suspected militia had invaded the Sankera axis. Police operatives responded swiftly and engaged the militia in Gbagir, where five individuals were killed.
The statement further revealed that while the operation in Gbagir was ongoing, another militia group launched an attack in neighboring Logo Local Government Area, resulting in 12 more fatalities, bringing the total death toll to 17.
The incidents have triggered widespread speculation on social media, with some alleging that suspected herdsmen invaded the area, killing approximately 100 people. However, the police have cautioned against spreading unverified information regarding the casualty figures.
According to the police statement, “Information was received that a large number of suspected militia had invaded the Sankera axis of Benue State with the intent to attack communities around Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area. Upon receiving this report, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, CP Steve H. Yabanet FCID, psc (+), directed tactical teams to move to the area and collaborate with officers on the ground and other security agencies to prevent further attacks.”
“Following this order, a team of officers moved to the area and engaged them. While the attackers were being repelled in the early hours of today, they shot sporadically at unsuspecting farmers as they came across them. Five (5) persons were recovered at the Gbagir area and taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead.
“Unfortunately, an unsuspected simultaneous attack was carried out in Logo, where twelve (12) persons were killed before the arrival of the police, making a total of seventeen persons. However, Security agencies withinthe Sankera axis are still engaging the bandits as they retreat back to the forest around the Taraba axis.
“The CP warns social media users who are reporting unconfirmed reports and inciting the general public to desist from such actions that are capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state. He reiterates his commitment to fight the attackers and encourages the good people of Sankera to continue to cooperate with the police as the operation is ongoing.”
This police statement is coming two days after suspected herdsmen stepped up violent attacks as no fewer than three communities in the Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
The communities affected during the fresh attacks include Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju, all in Otukpo where five persons were killed in February. The communities came under simultaneous attacks just a day after the killing of 11 persons at Otobi Community, also in Otukpo LGA.
Local sources confirm that several people may have been feared dead again in the fresh attack.
Wednesday’s attack came hours after Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed the arrest of three suspected herders in connection with the invasion of Otobi village on Tuesday night.
Alia condemns attack
Addressing journalists after the Good Friday Mass at Holy Ghost Parish in Makurdi, the state capital, Governor Alia condemned the attacks and cautioned communities against resorting to self-help.
He assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, is developing a strategic plan to end the killings by suspected invaders.
The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and to volunteer timely information to security agencies.