Gunmen Kill 30 in Benue, Cause Widespread Panic in Villages

In a series of brutal attacks across several communities in Benue State, gunmen have reportedly killed at least 30 people over two days, with many others suffering injuries. The assaults took place in the Katsina-Ala and Logo local government areas, leading to widespread panic and displacement of residents.

In Katsina-Ala, 10 bodies were recovered, while 20 deaths were confirmed in Logo, according to sources. Many residents, fearing for their safety, fled their homes and sought refuge in nearby forests. One resident, identified as David, described hiding in the bush with other villagers, adding, “They’ve killed many people in Mbatuyla council ward, and in my village, three people were killed.”

Another local, Francis, echoed the widespread fear, stating, “People are running for their lives. It’s a massacre happening in several villages.”

A local clergyman, emphasizing the grave situation, explained, “Residents are living in constant fear. Innocent people are being killed, properties are destroyed, and many are injured. We couldn’t sleep last night, and the hospital is overwhelmed with casualties.”

Katsina-Ala’s Local Government Chairman, Justine Shaku, confirmed that the attacks had caused significant loss of life and property. He reported that, on Monday morning, heavily armed assailants stormed villages including Adabo and Tse Gwebe, resulting in at least six confirmed deaths. Shaku noted that the situation had plunged the region back into crisis, despite prior efforts to reduce local militia activities.

In Logo, Chief Joseph Anawah stated that over 300 attackers raided Azege and surrounding areas on Sunday morning, killing at least 20 people. The attackers, armed with heavy weaponry, initially overwhelmed local security forces until military reinforcements, including an airstrike, forced them to retreat. Anawah confirmed the recovery of over 20 bodies, with search operations continuing.

A resident from Logo described the carnage in Ayilamo community, where 14 bodies were found at the scene, with more later discovered in nearby bushes. Logo Local Government Chairman, Clement Kav, stated that the attackers were attempting to take control of Tombo. He reported 17 deaths and 37 injuries in the area but noted that additional security forces had been deployed to help restore peace.

Benue State Police spokesperson, Catherine Anene, confirmed that five bodies had been recovered in Logo, and that police were investigating the attacks. Meanwhile, the state’s Special Adviser on Internal Security, Joseph Har, assured that security operations were underway to tackle the escalating violence in the region.