At least 27 people have reportedly died, and many others were injured in separate attacks by suspected bandits on communities in Benue State’s Logo and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas. The assaults, which began on Sunday morning and extended into the early hours of Monday, targeted Azege settlement, Tombo council ward, Adabo village, and Tse Gwebe.
A community leader in Logo LGA, Joseph Anawah, revealed that over 300 armed attackers entered Azege village on Sunday morning, believed to have come from Nasarawa State.
“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,” Anawah said.
He added, “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 security operatives on the ground were unable to repel them due to their numbers and the sophisticated weapons they were carrying.”
Anawah said the attackers retreated only after a military jet intervened. Over 20 bodies have been recovered so far in Logo LGA, with more people still missing.
Attack Leaves 17 Dead and Dozens Injured in Logo
Clement Kev, Chairman of Logo LGA, confirmed the incident, reporting 17 deaths and 37 injuries.
“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,” Kev said.
He added that security has been bolstered in the area and that peace has been restored.
“The herdsmen are claiming ownership of the land that belongs to Tombo,” Kev said, shedding light on the root of the conflict.
Katsina-Ala Attack Claims 10 Lives
Just hours later, in the early hours of Monday, another group of armed marauders attacked Adabo village and Tse Gwebe in Katsina-Ala LGA. The Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, confirmed that the attack resulted in 10 deaths and widespread destruction.
“Yes, another attack by herder marauders was reported this morning, November 25, 2024, at about 2 am,” Shaku said.
He noted that the attackers looted household items and destroyed valuable property before leaving the area unchecked.
“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, and looted household items,” Shaku stated.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State Command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack in Logo LGA, but she did not provide details on the Katsina-Ala incident.
“The Logo attack has been confirmed, and five bodies have been recovered,” Anene said.
The attacks have heightened fears among residents of the affected areas, who are calling for stronger security measures. Local leaders and the Benue State government are working to address the situation.
Governor Hyacinth Alia has reportedly mobilized additional security forces to the affected regions to prevent further violence and restore stability. However, with tensions remaining high and reports of land disputes fueling the conflict, residents are urging the government to take swift and decisive action.
Related Stories