Several feared dead as suspected herders attack Benue communities

Several people were reportedly killed in a renewed attack on some communities in Tuluv Council Ward, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders on Thursday.

A native, Tulumn, who spoke to newsmen on Friday via a telephone call, said several people were killed on Thursday and many others injured during the invasion by the suspected armed herders.

Tulumn said, “Some communities in Ukum LGA have been taken over by armed herders, with a lot of cows and sheep grazing freely.

“They attacked some villages in Tuluv Council Ward on Thursday, where they killed many people. Many are still missing as of this morning (Friday).”

The State Commissioner for Information, Mathew Abo, who confirmed the attack, said five bodies were recovered and three people were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Zaki Biam.

He said there is an influx of armed herders and their livestock in Ukum and added that there is apprehension in neighbouring Katsina-Ala and Logo LGAs due to the influx.

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Abo said, “It’s true that there is an influx of armed herders, and they came with a lot of cows and sheep grazing freely in Ukum. Yesterday, they killed five people and injured three others who are now receiving treatment in the hospital.

“The attack, which started yesterday (Thursday), lasted till Friday and has spread to Logo LGA, but Katsina-Ala LGA is relatively calm for now.”

The Katsina-Ala Local Government Chairman, Justine Shaku, told journalists by phone on Friday that although the council is calm, border communities are being threatened by the attack on Ukum.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, said there is an ongoing operation in Ukum LGA.

Anene said, “We are in operation right now in Ukum; we will get a report later today.”