Ten farmers were killed, several are missing and others were wounded after a dawn attack on Wednesday in Sai, Katsina‑Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. Locals say suspected herdsmen struck Mbajir Council Ward in a “coordinated” shooting.
A local who gave his name as Iorlumun told BusinessDay by phone the raid was unprovoked and began in the early hours of July 1. According to him, the attackers opened fire on residents. “So far, 10 corpses have been recovered by members of the community. After the attackers left the scene, most of the residents are combing the surrounding bushes in search of their loved ones.”
The latest violence follows an attack five days earlier in Otukpo, where unknown gunmen killed Ardo Risku Muhammed, the Benue state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), and one Yakubu Isah. That killing had already stirred tension, especially in Benue South Senatorial District.
Justine Shaku, chairman of Katsina‑Ala local council, confirmed the Sai attack by phone but said he was still gathering facts. He called it “an unexpected tragedy that occurred when relative peace was currently being enjoyed in the Katsina‑Ala axis.” He added, “I am on my way to the community with security operatives to assess the situation for further updates.”
Attempts to reach Udeme Edet, the Benue State Police PPRO, failed; she did not respond to calls or texts.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, calling them ugly, cowardly and senseless, and demanded urgent security action through his CPS, Tersoo Kula. Kula quoted Alia calling the attackers “enemies of progress who have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of the state by targeting the moment when crops are developing and the hope for a bountiful harvest is high.”
He added his condolences, saying, “My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones as well as other victims currently receiving medical attention.”
“We pray for their swift and total recovery. I stand in solidarity with the entire Sai community during this period of immense grief.
“I urge the people of Katsina‑Ala and Benue State in general not to be discouraged because this administration remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives and your livelihoods.
“We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive you away from your lands or dampen your spirits. We are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve.
“I want to urge security forces to deploy additional personnel to Sai and surrounding communities to prevent further incursions by terrorists and armed herdsmen.
“Security personnel should launch a manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous crime to ensure they are brought to face the wrath of the law, and also ensure the safety of farmers as they tend to their crops, guaranteeing that no further killings and disruption to agricultural activities occur,” he said.
Alia also urged calm and vigilance, adding, “We will not rest until peace is fully restored to every corner of our dear state.”
