Suspected bandits have reportedly killed at least 30 individuals in a series of violent attacks across various communities in Benue State, Nigeria. The affected regions include Azege settlement, Tombo council ward, as well as Adabo and Tse Gwebe communities situated within the Logo and Katsina-Ala local government areas. These gruesome incidents unfolded between Sunday morning and the early hours of Monday, eliciting fear and uncertainty among the residents, who attributed the attacks to well-armed bandits. Local leaders and community members have painted a grim picture of the attacks, asserting that the level of violence has escalated dramatically, marking a severe crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused widespread devastation.
A community leader, Joseph Anawah, provided firsthand accounts of the situation, detailing how approximately 300 bandits invaded Azege village and its surrounding areas. Anawah, who has previously served as a media aide to a former governor, reported that the attackers, suspected to be militia members from neighboring countries, arrived in the morning using sophisticated weapons. Their overwhelming numbers posed a significant challenge to local security forces, who were unable to mount an effective defense. It wasn’t until a military jet was deployed to the area that the assailants began to retreat, highlighting the dire security situation and the inadequacy of local law enforcement to manage such a large-scale attack.
As the death toll rose, the Chairman of the Logo Local Government Area, Clement Kev, corroborated the reports, noting that 17 bodies had been recovered, with an additional 37 individuals left seriously injured. The government was prompt in mobilizing additional security forces to restore peace in the area following the violent incursions. However, the attackers reportedly claimed ownership of the land in Tombo council ward, pointing to underlying tensions and conflicts over land rights that may have contributed to the assaults.
The violence continued with a second wave of attacks occurring in the early hours of Monday. This time, armed marauders targeted Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in the Katsina-Ala local government area, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 men. Justine Shaku, Chairman of the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, shared that the marauders not only killed but also looted and destroyed valuable properties, heightening the severity of the crisis in the region. The attacks have left communities reeling and have drawn attention to the urgent need for security measures to protect the vulnerable populations in these areas.
Despite the widespread violence, the reaction from law enforcement has been somewhat muted. Catherine Anene, the state Police Public Relations Officer, issued a brief statement confirming the attacks in Logo, reporting that five bodies had been recovered, but did not provide information on the incidents in Katsina-Ala. Similarly, the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, indicated that the situation fell outside his immediate oversight while failing to connect our correspondent with the appropriate officials for further information. This lack of accountability and communication underscores a systemic challenge within the security apparatus in the region.
Overall, the series of attacks in Benue State highlights the increasing threat posed by banditry and the urgent need for effective security interventions. The loss of lives and the destruction of property further complicate ongoing tensions in the region, which are often rooted in disputes over land and resources. As community members mourn their dead and search for the missing, there are growing calls for the state and federal governments to take decisive action to restore peace, ensure justice for the victims, and prevent future occurrences of such violent attacks. The situation serves as an alarming reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many regions in Nigeria, and the critical importance of establishing a secure environment for all citizens.
