Suspected armed herdsmen have attacked several communities in Mbaterem, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, killing several residents and injuring many others.
The attackers, reportedly riding motorcycles, invaded Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Aboajio and Yina communities at about 5am on Sunday and opened fire, forcing residents to flee into the bushes for safety.
An eyewitness said the attack lasted for several hours, as the assailants moved through the communities and shot sporadically.
Emmanuel Oryiman Mbatsavdue, a resident of Aboajio, told LEADERSHIP by telephone that four residents had been confirmed dead in the community, while efforts to locate missing persons were ongoing.
“The attack in my community, Aboajio, four residents were confirmed killed as search for missing people continues. The casualties may increase as people are still searching for their loved ones after the attack,” he said.
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Mbatsavdue said the attackers, whom he suspected to be armed Fulani herdsmen, invaded the community in large numbers in the early hours of Sunday.
The Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Jonathan Modi, confirmed the attack but said the casualty figure had yet to be established.
“The attack occurred and security operatives are in the bush where the incident happened. As chairman and chief security officer of my local government, I am in Jootar town now on patrol because my people in Jootar and Kyado are also in fear,” he said.
Modi said he was awaiting reports from security operatives who were still conducting operations in the affected area. “For now, the number of casualties has not been ascertained,” he added.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, also confirmed that the command was gathering information on the incident. “We will get back to you over the incident when I get details,” he said.
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