At least nine people have reportedly been killed in fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on Tse-Nyaku, Tse-Biliji and neighbouring communities in Mbatian Council Ward of Ngenev, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Several others were reportedly injured, while an unknown number of residents remained missing following the attacks, which began around 11 p.m. on Friday.
A local source, who requested anonymity, said the assailants stormed the communities in large numbers, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee their homes.
The source added that nine bodies had been recovered from the affected areas, warning that the death toll could rise as several residents remained unaccounted for.
“The attackers came in large numbers and started shooting in the communities. Luckily, many people managed to escape, except for the nine who have been confirmed dead for now because their corpses have been recovered.
“However, it is very likely that the number could increase because many people have not been seen, and no one knows whether they were killed or escaped to other communities.
“Our people discovered that one of armed herdsmen is in possession of the phones of one of the victims and he has been using it to make and receive calls.
“The attacked communities have also already been deserted. It is a very sad day for our people. The Sankera axis of Benue has become a shadow of itself due to the level of insecurity,” the source said.
Reacting to the incident, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ukum I (Ngenev) State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Livinus Tyodoo, described the invasion as “one attack too many.”
In a statement he personally signed, Tyodoo said he received disturbing reports of the attacks on Friday night and in the early hours of Saturday.
He said the attacks, allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen militia, had reportedly resulted in more than nine deaths, with several bodies recovered, other residents missing and some survivors sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
“This is one attack too many. I unequivocally condemn the senseless killing, displacement and continued persecution of innocent citizens in their ancestral homes.
“The people of Ukum I (Ngenev) deserve to live in peace, cultivate their farmlands and pursue their legitimate means of livelihood without the constant fear of violence.
“Human civilisation has evolved beyond the Hobbesian state of nature, where life was characterised by insecurity and the constant fear of violent death. In the 21st century, the sanctity of human life must remain paramount, and no community should be abandoned to the mercy of armed assailants,” he said.
Tyodoo warned against politicising the incident and called on the authorities to take immediate and decisive measures to prevent further violence.
“This is not the time for politics or the exchange of blame. It is a time for urgent, coordinated and decisive action,” he said.
He urged the Benue State Government, Ukum Local Government Council and relevant security agencies to intensify security operations in the affected communities and other vulnerable areas.
The PDP candidate maintained that the response should go beyond public statements and investigations, stressing the need for effective intelligence gathering, proactive security deployments, the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and measures to prevent future attacks.
“Our people must be able to return to their ancestral homes, reclaim their farmlands and carry on with their daily activities without fear. The protection of lives and property is a fundamental responsibility of government, and the people of Ukum deserve nothing less,” he added.
Tyodoo also sympathised with the families of the victims, prayed for the safe return of missing residents and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“I pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, comfort for the bereaved families, the safe return of anyone still missing, and a speedy recovery for those who sustained injuries.
“May God comfort our grieving communities, protect our people and restore lasting peace to Ngenev, Ukum and Benue State at large. The time for urgent action is now. Our people deserve security, justice and lasting peace,” he said.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said he had yet to receive a report on the incident when contacted.