SCORES KILLED AS GUNMEN ATTACK BENUE COMMUNITY, GOV ALIA ORDERS MANHUNT
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Scores of residents were reportedly killed in the early hours of Wednesday when suspected armed assailants attacked Sai Community in Mbajir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to residents, the attackers stormed the community at about 2 a.m., shooting sporadically and forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said youths who returned to the community at daybreak recovered at least 10 bodies, while several injured victims were taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment.
“Some armed herders invaded Sai Community around 2 a.m. They moved from house to house, shooting sporadically and forcing people to flee into the bush for safety.
“As we returned to the community at daybreak, youths had recovered 10 bodies of the victims, while several others had been taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment,” the source said.
The Benue State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the attack as of the time of filing this report. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer for comments were unsuccessful.
Reacting to the incident, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack and directed security agencies to deploy additional personnel to Sai Community and neighbouring areas to forestall further attacks.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor ordered security agencies to launch a manhunt for those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
He also directed security operatives to guarantee the safety of farmers carrying out farming activities across the affected communities.
According to the statement, the attack, which occurred in the early hours of July 1, left scores of people dead and many others injured, and was allegedly carried out by terrorists masquerading as herders.
Describing the incident as a senseless and cowardly assault on innocent residents, Alia said the attack came at a critical period when farmers had returned to their ancestral lands and were nurturing crops ahead of the harvest season.
He accused the attackers of attempting to undermine peace and food security in the state by targeting farming communities.
The governor extended his condolences to the families of those killed and wished injured victims a speedy recovery.
He also reassured residents of Katsina-Ala and other parts of the state that his administration remained committed to protecting lives and property.
“We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive you away from your lands or dampen your spirits. We are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve,” the statement said.
Katsina-Ala Local Government Area remains one of the major flashpoints of insecurity in Benue State, with repeated attacks linked to suspected armed herders and criminal gangs.
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