Benue State, Nigeria – A series of brutal attacks on several communities in Benue State has left at least 30 people feared dead. The assaults took place in the early hours of Sunday, November 24, and Monday, November 25, 2024. Suspected bandits from Nasarawa State are believed to be responsible for the killings, which occurred in the Logo and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas. Affected settlements include Azege village, Tombo council ward, Adabo village, and Tse Gwebe in the Shitile region.
Herdsmen’s Violent Invasion of Azege Village
Joseph Anawah, a community leader in Logo LGA, provided chilling details about the attack on Azege village. The assailants, believed to number over 300, stormed the village early on Sunday morning, armed with sophisticated weapons. Anawah described the attackers as heavily armed militia, possibly hired from neighboring countries. He noted that the local security forces were overpowered until a military jet arrived to repel the attackers, forcing them to retreat. As of now, over 20 bodies have been discovered, with the search for the missing still ongoing.
The Toll on Human Lives and Property
The Chairman of Logo LGA, Clement Kev, confirmed the tragic toll of the attack, stating that 17 bodies had been recovered and 37 others seriously injured. He reported that herdsmen, claiming ownership of the land, attacked the Tombo council ward, killing residents and leaving widespread destruction. Local officials have since mobilized additional security forces to the area. Kev stated that the situation has calmed following these reinforcements.
Second Attack in Katsina-Ala LGA
In a second wave of violence on Monday, another attack was launched in Katsina-Ala LGA. According to Justine Shaku, the Chairman of the Katsina-Ala LGA, the attackers struck at around 2 a.m., targeting Adabo village and Tse Gwebe. At least 10 people were killed, and several properties were destroyed or looted during the raid. The assailants, described as heavily armed, caused significant damage before retreating. Local authorities are yet to confirm the total scale of the destruction.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, has confirmed the attack in Logo LGA but has not yet commented on the incident in Katsina-Ala. She noted that five bodies have been recovered from the Logo attack and that investigations are underway. Security forces are currently working to stabilize the region and prevent further violence.
Security Measures and Regional Tensions
The recent violence highlights the persistent security challenges in Benue State, particularly in rural areas prone to attacks by armed bandits and militia groups. Tensions over land ownership and conflicts between herders and farmers continue to exacerbate the unrest in the region. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as the search for missing persons continues and as more security personnel are deployed to restore peace.
Follow us on Socials: