Fresh attacks by gunmen on villages in Katsina-Ala and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State have left at least 30 people dead and many others injured. The violence has also displaced numerous residents, forcing them to seek refuge in nearby bushes and neighboring towns.
Residents confirmed that 10 bodies were recovered in Katsina-Ala, while 20 people were reportedly killed in Logo. Survivors described the situation as dire, with attackers rampaging through their communities and leaving destruction in their wake.
A local resident, David, told Chronicles Reporters, “I’m currently hiding in the bush with others. In my village, three people were killed, and many have fled to the city for safety.” Another villager, Francis, described the panic: “Everyone is running for their lives. Large-scale killings are ongoing in several villages in Katsina-Ala.”
The attackers struck with brutality, targeting homes, properties, and lives indiscriminately. A local cleric lamented, “We couldn’t sleep last night. Innocent people are being killed, properties destroyed, and many are hospitalized. The threat is overwhelming.”
The Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Justine Shaku, confirmed the attacks, reporting that six bodies had been recovered in Adabo and Tse Gwebe settlements within the Utange Council Ward. “Three people were killed in Mbatulya and three in Utange. Many others sustained injuries,” Shaku said, adding that the region was plunged into chaos.
Shaku noted that while local militias had previously been subdued, the resurgence of violence had reignited fear and insecurity in the area. “We had made significant progress, but these new invaders have undone much of our work,” he said.
In Logo, Chief Joseph Anawah reported that the Azege settlement and surrounding areas in Tombo Council Ward were attacked on Sunday morning by over 300 armed men, believed to be militia. The assailants, heavily armed, killed at least 20 people before being repelled by a military jet. “Over 20 bodies have been found, and we’re still searching for missing persons,” Anawah said.
An anonymous resident from Ayilamo, a community in Tombo Council Ward, described the aftermath, revealing that 14 bodies were initially discovered at the scene, with more found in nearby bushes.
Logo Local Government Area Chairman, Clement Kav, disclosed that 17 people were killed and 37 others injured during the assault. He attributed the attacks to efforts by the gunmen to seize control of Tombo. However, Kav noted that additional security forces deployed by the state government had restored some level of peace to the area.
The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, confirmed the attacks and stated that five bodies had been recovered in Logo. She added that police operatives had been deployed to the affected areas, although investigations into the perpetrators were still ongoing.
Joseph Har, Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, assured residents that homeland security operatives had been fully mobilized to address the escalating violence.
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