Suspected armed herders reportedly invaded Sai Community in Mbajir Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State in the early hours of Wednesday, killing several residents.
Sources from the community said the attackers stormed the area around 2 a.m., shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity told journalists in a telephone interview that bodies were discovered after the attack, while injured victims were taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment.
“Some armed herders invaded Sai Community around 2 a.m. They moved from house to house, shooting sporadically and forcing people to flee into the bush for safety.
“As we returned to the community at daybreak, youths had recovered 10 bodies of the victims, while several others had been taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment,” the source said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official response. Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack and called for stronger security deployment to the area to prevent further violence.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor urged security agencies to act swiftly.
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 no further disruption to agricultural activities occurs.
“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. It was allegedly carried out by terrorists masquerading as herdsmen.”
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Describing the attack 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.”
He also extended condolences to bereaved families and victims receiving treatment, assuring residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace.
“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.
Katsina-Ala Local Government Area remains one of the most affected areas in Benue State, frequently experiencing attacks linked to armed herders and bandit groups.