Seventeen people have been killed in fresh attacks on two local government areas in Benue State, the police have confirmed.
The attacks happened in Gbagir community in Ukum Local Government Area and another community in Logo Local Government Area. Both areas are part of the troubled Sankera region of the state.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Sewuese Anene, gave this update in a statement issued on Friday. According to her, a large number of suspected militia invaded the area, forcing police officers and other security agencies to respond quickly.
“Information was received that a large number of suspected militia had invaded the Sankera axis of Benue State with the intention to attack communities around Gbagir,” the statement read.
She added that tactical police teams were sent immediately to the scene on the order of the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet.
“While the attackers were being repelled in the early hours of today, they shot at unsuspecting farmers as they came across them. Five persons were recovered at the Gbagir area and taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead,” she said.
However, while the security team was still battling the attackers in Gbagir, another group of armed men launched a separate attack in Logo Local Government Area. Twelve people were killed in that incident, bringing the total number of deaths to 17.
The police said the operation is still ongoing as security officers are chasing the attackers, who are believed to be retreating toward the forest near the Taraba State border.
The Commissioner of Police warned people spreading false reports on social media to stop sharing unconfirmed information, especially claims that over 100 people were killed.
“These kinds of posts can create panic and tension in the state. We urge the public to stay calm and support the police with useful information,” the CP said.
This latest attack comes just two days after suspected herdsmen attacked three other communities — Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju — in Otukpo Local Government Area, where five people were killed.
Also, 11 people had earlier been killed in Otobi village in the same LGA.
Governor Hyacinth Alia had recently confirmed the arrest of three suspected herders linked to the Otobi attack.
Many residents have been left in fear as violence continues to affect several parts of the state.
