Suspected armed herdsmen and bandits have reportedly carried out a series of deadly attacks in several states, leaving 15 people dead and 14 kidnapped.
In Benue State, armed herdsmen invaded Ayilamo and Mbachohon communities in Logo and Gwer West Local Government Areas, killing nine people and injuring many.
An anonymous eyewitness in Ayilamo provided details: “The well-armed herdsmen came at about 10 pm on Tuesday. They attacked and killed two persons at the Mobile barracks, situated at Mahanga, near Ayilamo.”
“From there, they headed to Ayilamo town and, on entering the town, they shot and killed another three persons on the spot. Many others sustained various degrees of injury and were taken to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment.”
“Some of the cases were so serious that by yesterday, they were referred to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH in Makurdi.”
Those confirmed killed in the attack included Ayev Jôgunô, Faiga Mwuese Apefan, Msendoo Tertese, James Mhen Iorliam, and Orgbee Mnguerorga.
A similar attack occurred at Nagi Camp Mbachohon Council Ward of Gwer West LGA, where about four people were feared dead, and some sustained injuries.
Families from these affected communities have fled to neighboring areas for safety.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State condemned the attacks and expressed his determination to end the killings in the state. In a statement, he called on security agencies to quickly investigate the attacks and apprehend those behind them.
In Kebbi State, armed bandits attacked Tilli village on Wednesday, killing at least two people and abducting three.
The Kebbi Police Command mobilized officers to the crime scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
CP Chris Wane, the Commissioner of Police, consoled the district head of Tilli village, the council chairman of Bunza local government area, and the state assembly member representing the area.
He vowed that security agencies would meet stiff resistance from criminal elements attempting to undermine their efforts.
