26 Killed in Deadly Midnight Attacks by Suspected Armed Herdsmen
Tragedy struck again in Benue State as at least 26 people were killed in separate deadly attacks by suspected armed herders on multiple communities in Makurdi and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas.
The attacks, which took place in the early hours of Thursday and Friday, targeted Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in the North Bank area of Makurdi, as well as Kenvanger and Agbami villages in Mbatyula Council Ward of Katsina-Ala.
Local sources reported that the Makurdi assault, carried out around midnight on Thursday, claimed 25 lives, mostly women and children. Dozens of others sustained injuries and many residents fled in panic.
According to a witness, “Most of the victims of the attack were women and children who could not escape because the attack was unprovoked and no one saw it coming.
“That is an attack in a Makurdi community, and the fact that the community has been peaceful made it unexpected.
“Over 25 persons were killed, and several others were injured. As we speak, many residents of the communities have fled their homes, while those still remaining there are living in fear.”
A similar incident occurred in Katsina-Ala on Friday around 1am, where gunmen stormed Kenvanger and Agbami villages, breaking into homes while residents slept.
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One local source said the attackers attempted to rape a nursing mother 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 in fear.
“A similar attack was reported in Agbami village at about the same time where the suspected armed herdsmen militia macheted people; fortunately, no deaths were recorded, but the people are now living in fear.”
Confirming the Makurdi incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said officers are on ground gathering information and promised to release more details as investigations continue.
