Several persons killed in gunmen’s attack on Benue community

Several people have been killed in a renewed attack on Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incident, according to sources, happened in Sai community, Mbajir Council Ward, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state, when the attackers invaded the community around 2am on Wednesday and killed several people.

One of the residents, who craved anonymity, told journalists in an interview on Wednesday that several bodies had been recovered, while others who sustained injuries had been taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment.

“Some armed herders invaded Sai community around 2am today. They were moving from house to house and shooting sporadically, forcing people to flee into the bush for safety.

“As we returned to the community at daybreak, youths recovered 10 bodies of the victims of the attack, while several others were moved to a hospital in Katsina-Ala town.”

The Benue State Police Command is yet to respond to the incident, as efforts to reach the spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful. Her phone rang out.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the attack on Sai community and urged security agents to deploy officers to the area.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kula Tersoo, the governor said the prompt deployment of personnel would help prevent further attacks.

The statement read in part: “Deploy additional personnel to Sai and surrounding communities to prevent further incursions by terrorists and armed herdsmen.

“Launch a manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous crime to ensure they are brought to face the wrath of the law.

“Ensure the safety of farmers as they tend to their crops, guaranteeing that there is no further disruption to agricultural activities.

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“The unfortunate incident, which occurred in the early hours of the first day of July, left scores dead while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries and was allegedly carried out by terrorists masquerading as herdsmen.”

Describing the tragedy as a “senseless assault on innocent citizens,” the governor added: “This attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence, particularly coming at a crucial time when our hardworking farmers, who have returned to their ancestral lands, are cultivating their farms.

“These enemies of progress have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of our state by targeting the moment when crops are developing and the hope for a bountiful harvest is high.”

The governor extended his condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy, as well as to other victims currently receiving medical attention. He also called on the people of Katsina-Ala and the state not to be discouraged, assuring them that his administration remains committed to protecting lives and property.

“We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive you away from your lands or dampen your spirits. We are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve,” the statement added.