JUST IN: 30 Killed in Fresh Attacks on Benue Communities

At least 30 people have been killed in a series of attacks across two local government areas of Benue State. The assaults took place on Sunday and early Monday, with several rural communities in Kastina-Ala and Logo LGAs being targeted.

According to local sources, 10 bodies were recovered from Kastina-Ala, while 20 were found in Logo, bringing the total death toll to 30. Chief Joseph Anawah, a community leader from Logo, described the attack on the Azege settlement in Tombo Council Ward on Sunday morning. He said over 300 armed men, believed to be foreign militia, launched the assault at around 7 a.m. Despite the presence of security forces, the attackers were not repelled until a military jet arrived. The attackers fled, leaving behind over 20 bodies, with a search for additional victims ongoing.

In Kastina-Ala, Council Chairman Justine Shaku confirmed a separate attack occurred early Monday morning at around 2 a.m. Armed assailants stormed Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in Utange Council Ward. Reports indicate that several people were killed, properties were destroyed, and household items looted. Shaku highlighted the ongoing security threat posed by armed herders in the region and promised to provide more details once they became available.

Clement Kav, the Chairman of Logo LGA, also reported an attack in Tombo Council Ward, where 17 people were killed and 37 others were injured. Kav mentioned that the attackers claimed ownership of the land and had caused significant damage. While additional security forces have been deployed to the area, the situation has reportedly stabilized, with no missing persons reported at this time.

The police confirmed the incident, with Police Public Relations Officer Catherine Anene stating that five bodies had been recovered from the scene of the Logo attack. The investigation into the attacks is ongoing.