Many feared killed in attacks on Benue communities

Many people were reportedly killed in separate attacks on the Azege settlement and other communities in Tombo council ward, Adabo, and Tse Gwebe in Logo and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State, by suspected bandits.

The incidents, according to residents of the affected communities, occurred between Sunday morning and the early hours of Monday.

Our correspondent learnt from a community leader in Logo LGA, Joseph Anawah, that a large number of bandits entered from Nasarawa State and launched an attack on Azege village and its surroundings on Sunday morning.

Anawah, who previously served as the media aide to former governor Senator Gabriel Suswam, said it took the intervention of a military jet before the attackers retreated.

Anawah stated, “There was an attack on the Azege settlement and the surrounding area of Tombo Council Ward on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at about 7 am by terrorists. They numbered over 300 well-armed men, suspected to be militia from outside Nigeria.

“Perhaps they were hired from neighbouring countries because their appearance was slightly different. The invasion occurred in the morning, and the invaders were visible to the locals.

“The security operatives on the ground were unable to repel them due to their numbers and the sophisticated weapons they were carrying. It was only when a military jet arrived that the attackers were forced to retreat.”

As of the time of this report, over 20 bodies had been discovered, and the search for missing persons is ongoing.

The Chairman of Logo LGA, Clement Kev, who confirmed the incident, said 17 bodies had been recovered and 37 others seriously injured.

He added, “It is true that some herdsmen came from Nasarawa State and attacked my people. They attacked the Tombo council ward, killing 17 people and injuring 37 others.

“The Governor has already mobilised more security to the area, and peace has been restored,” he said, adding, “The herdsmen are claiming ownership of the land that belongs to Tombo.”

The second attack, reportedly carried out by armed marauders, occurred in the early hours of Monday and claimed 10 lives.

The Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, said the attackers destroyed valuable property and looted household items during the raid.

“Yes, another attack by herder marauders was reported this morning, November 25, 2024, at about 2 am.

“Information suggests that many heavily armed assailants stormed Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in Utange Council Ward, Shitile in Katsina-Ala LGA. According to reports, they killed more than 10 people, destroyed valuable property, looted household items, and left uninterrupted,” Shaku said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State Command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack on Logo LGA but has yet to comment on the Katsina-Ala incident.

She said, “The Logo attack has been confirmed, and five bodies have been recovered.”