17 Killed in Fresh Attacks on Benue Communities, Police Confirm

Suspected armed militia have killed 17 residents in coordinated attacks on two communities in Benue State, according to the state police command. The attacks occurred in the Sankera axis, affecting Gbagir in Ukum Local Government Area and a separate location in Logo LGA.

Police spokesperson Sewuese Anene confirmed in a statement on Friday that five victims were killed in Ukum and another 12 in Logo. Several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

The incident follows a wave of violence earlier in the week that claimed at least 15 lives in Otukpo and Ado LGAs. According to Anene, the latest attacks took place on April 17 around 9:00 p.m., when the police received reports of a planned invasion by suspected militia in the Sankera area.

In response, Commissioner of Police Steve Yabanet deployed tactical teams to support local officers and other security agencies in repelling the attack. The police say they were able to push back the attackers early Friday morning in Ukum, where five victims were recovered and later confirmed dead at a hospital.

However, Anene noted that a simultaneous attack occurred in Logo, where 12 people were killed before security forces could respond. The assailants reportedly retreated into the forest near the Taraba border as security personnel pursued them.

Anene cautioned against the spread of unverified information on social media, warning that such actions could escalate tension. She reiterated the command’s commitment to restoring peace and bringing the perpetrators to justice under the leadership of CP Yabanet.