BREAKING: Death Toll In Benue Herdsmen Attack Rises To 12

LEADERSHIP had earlier reported that six residents were killed while several others were missing following the attack on Friday evening.

Confirming the updated casualty figure, the All Progressives Congress (APC) representative for Ukum I Ngenev State Constituency, Hon. Andrew Aondofa Chila, condemned the attack after visiting the affected community alongside the chairman of Ukum LGA, Hon. Jonathan Modi.

In a statement, Chila said the delegation, accompanied by other stakeholders and security personnel, visited the scene at about 8:00 p.m.

“On Ukum LGA attacks tonight, alongside the Chairman of Ukum LGA, Hon. Jonathan Modi, other stakeholders, and a detachment of security personnel, I visited the scene of the devastating herdsmen attack at Tse Biliiji, Mbatian Council Ward, which reportedly claimed at least 12 precious lives,” he said.

Chila said the delegation received distressing accounts from survivors and commended Modi for directing the immediate establishment of a military unit in the community.

He described the move as necessary to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.

The APC representative also pledged support for lawful measures to end the recurring violence in the area.

While acknowledging the challenges confronting security agencies, he called for lawful community vigilante groups to complement their efforts within the confines of the law.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ukum I State Constituency (Ngenev) in the 2027 Benue State House of Assembly election, Prince Tyodoo Livinus, condemned the attacks on Tse Nyaku, Tse Biliji and other communities in Mbatian, Ngenev, Ukum LGA.

Tyodoo expressed sorrow over the incident, describing the recurring attacks on residents as unfortunate and unacceptable.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Mbatian community over the loss of lives.

The PDP candidate lamented that residents of Ukum continued to live with fear and uncertainty in their ancestral homes despite their desire to live peacefully and pursue their legitimate livelihoods.