15 Dead, Many Injured As Suspected Herders Attack Benue Community

No fewer than 15 people have been killed after suspected armed herders attacked Saai community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Several others, including women and children, were also injured in the attack, which reportedly occurred between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday.

The incident came days after the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku, raising fears among residents that the latest attack could be a reprisal.

Security agencies have, however, not established any link between the two incidents.

Confirming the attack, the Mbajir Development Association, Makurdi, described the killings as heinous and barbaric.

“The Association has received with deep sorrow reports that not fewer than fifteen persons were brutally murdered in the attacks, while more than ten others, including women and children, sustained varying degrees of injuries,” the statement signed by its President, Agee Sai, and General Secretary, Tindiga Aondover, read.

The association alleged that the attack was carried out by “deadly Fulani herdsmen” and called on the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to deploy more personnel to the area.

“The continuous loss of innocent lives is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue. Our people deserve to live in peace, cultivate their farms without fear, and go about their daily activities in safety,” the group added.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless assault on innocent citizens.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor described the attackers as “terrorists masquerading as herdsmen.”

“This attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence,” Alia said.

“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 directed security agencies to deploy additional personnel to Saai and surrounding communities, launch a manhunt for the attackers and strengthen protection for farmers.

On June 27, Risku and his associate, Yakubu Isa, were ambushed and killed along the Otukpo-Okudu road shortly after attending a peace and security meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.

The killing drew condemnation from Governor Alia, Amnesty International and the Benue State Police Command.

Police later announced the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with the murder.

Those arrested were identified as Titus Thyodenda, Utibe Sam, Owoicho Ameh, Sunday Useni, Sunday Ogbanje, Daniel Raphael, Adokole John, Samuel Ogazi, Agbo Daniel and Onazi James.