Trending 
Suspected armed herdsmen attacked several communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday, killing an unspecified number of residents and injuring others, officials and residents said.
The attackers, reportedly riding motorcycles, invaded Mbaterem, Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio and Ukpen communities of Mbazun Ward at about 5 am, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee into the bushes for safety.
A resident, Emmanuel Oryiman Mbatsavdue, said four people had been confirmed dead in Aboajio alone, with residents continuing to search for missing family members.
He said the casualty figure could rise as the search continued.
The Executive Chairman of Ukum LGA, Jonathan Modi, confirmed the attack but said the exact number of casualties was yet to be established.
He said security operatives were still in the bush assessing the situation.
Governor Hyacinth Alia commended security agencies for their prompt response to the attack and condoled with families of those killed, according to a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula.
“Terrorists masquerading as herdsmen in the early hours of today invaded and attacked the people… killing some and inflicting injuries on others,” the statement read.
The governor vowed to continue supporting security agencies to protect residents, warning those attempting to undermine the peace process: “Benue lands for Benue people. Anyone who thinks attacking us will intimidate us to leave the land is making a mistake.”
Alia urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to authorities.
“Like I always say, you must all remain vigilant and always ensure that you forward information on suspicious movements around you. This is the only way we can be able to effectively tackle these criminals,” he said.
The Ukum attack is the latest in a series of deadly raids across Benue State in recent weeks. On Thursday night, gunmen abducted 14 passengers travelling in an 18-seater bus along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini LGA.
Police later confirmed five victims had been rescued, while nine remained in captivity as of Friday.
In early July, at least 16 people were reportedly killed by suspected armed herders in Nobi.
Later that month, suspected armed herders invaded Efeyi community in Otukpo LGA, killing 13 farmers who were given a mass burial.
