JUST-IN: Suspected Armed Herdsmen Attack Benue Communities, Kill Several

Suspected armed herdsmen have launched a heavy attack on some communities in Mbaterem, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, killing several residents and leaving many others injured.

An eyewitness said the attackers, riding motorcycles, invaded communities including Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Aboajio and Yina at about 5am on Sunday, shooting sporadically.

According to him, the attacks lasted for hours, forcing residents to flee into the bushes for safety.

A resident of one of the affected communities, Emmanuel Oryiman Mbatsavdue, told LEADERSHIP on telephone that four residents were confirmed dead in his community, Aboajio, while the search for missing persons continued.

“The attack in my community, Aboajio, four residents were confirmed killed as search for missing people continues. The casualties may increase as people are still searching for their loved ones after the attack. The attackers suspected to be armed Fulani herdsmen in large numbers attacked my community in the early hours of Sunday. Four residents were killed and many wounded,” he narrated.

Speaking with our correspondent on telephone, the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Hon. Jonathan Modi, confirmed the attack but said the casualty figures were yet to be ascertained.

“The attack occurred and security operatives are in the bush where the incident happened. As a chairman and chief security officer of my local government, I am in Jootar town now on patrol because my people in Jootar and Kyado too are in fear.

“I am waiting for security reports from the operatives in the bush. The security men are still in the bush. For now, the number of casualties has not been ascertained,” he said.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, said he would get back after obtaining details of the incident.

“We will get back to you over the incident when I get details,” he said.