Bandits kill scores in Benue community, Alia condemns attack

Scores of people were reportedly killed in an early morning attack on Sai Community in Mbajir Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to sources from the affected community, the assailants invaded the community at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday and killed several residents.

One of the residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity in a telephone interview with journalists, said several bodies had been recovered, while many injured victims had been 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.

The Benue State Police Command had yet to respond to the incident as of the time of filing this report. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone were not answered.

Meanwhile, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack on Sai Community and urged security agencies to deploy additional personnel to the area.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s chief press secretary, Tersoo Kula, Alia said the prompt deployment of security 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 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.”

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.”

The governor extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the attack, as well as to victims receiving medical treatment. He urged residents of Katsina-Ala and the state not to be discouraged and assured them of his administration’s commitment 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.

Katsina-Ala Local Government Area is one of the flashpoints of violent attacks in Benue State and has frequently been affected by attacks attributed to armed herders and local bandits.