About 10 people were killed and over 15 others injured in the early hours of Wednesday when suspected armed herdsmen attacked Sai community in Mbajir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
The latest attack came less than a week after the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku Muhammad, who was ambushed and murdered in Okudu community in Otukpo LGA while returning from a security meeting in Ohimini LGA.
Residents said the attackers invaded Sai community at about 1 a.m., shooting indiscriminately at villagers who were asleep and triggering panic as many fled for safety.
An indigene of the community, who said he lost a family member in the attack, disclosed that several residents were still missing.
He added that most of the injured had been taken to the NKST Hospital in Sai for treatment, while those with critical injuries would be referred to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless and cowardly assault on innocent citizens, and directed security agencies to immediately reinforce security in the affected area.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said he received the report of the attack with a heavy heart, alleging that the assault was carried out by “terrorists masquerading as herdsmen.”
He said the attack was an ugly, cowardly, and unacceptable act of violence, particularly at a crucial time when hardworking farmers have returned to their ancestral lands and are cultivating their farms.
He said the enemies of progress have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of the state by targeting communities at a time when crops are developing and hopes for a bountiful harvest are high.
Alia extended condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured speedy recovery.
The governor also reassured residents that his administration remained committed to protecting their lives and property.
In his words, “We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive our people away from their ancestral lands or dampen their spirits. We are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve”.
Governor Alia directed security agencies to deploy additional personnel to Sai and neighbouring communities, launch an immediate manhunt for the attackers, and strengthen protection for farmers to prevent further attacks during the farming season.
He also urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies, assuring them that the government would not relent until lasting peace is restored across the state.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
