Suspected armed herders attacked communities in the Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas of Benue State on Thursday, April 17, killing 17 people and injuring several others, according to a statement released by the Benue State Police Command.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, detailed that five individuals were killed in Ukum LGA, while twelve lost their lives in Logo LGA. Injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment.
Anene stated that police received information about a large group of suspected militia invading the Sankera axis of Benue State around 9:00 PM on Thursday, with intentions to attack communities near Gbagir in Ukum LGA. Responding to this intelligence, Commissioner of Police Steve Yabanet deployed tactical teams to reinforce officers already on the ground and collaborate with other security agencies.
Despite police efforts to repel the attackers, they reportedly shot sporadically at farmers encountered while retreating early Friday morning. Five bodies were recovered near Gbagir and confirmed dead at a local hospital.
Simultaneously, a separate attack in Logo LGA resulted in the deaths of 12 people before police could arrive. Security agencies continue to engage the retreating bandits in the forests along the Taraba State border.
Anene cautioned social media users against spreading unverified reports and inciting the public, warning that such actions could escalate tension in the state. The police spokesperson reaffirmed the Command’s commitment, under the leadership of Commissioner Steve Yabanet, to combat the attackers and urged the Sankera community to cooperate with ongoing police operations.
