At least 10 people were reportedly killed and more than 15 others injured in the early hours of Wednesday after suspected armed herdsmen attacked Sai community in Mbajir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack came less than a week after the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku Muhammad, was ambushed and killed in Okudu community, Otukpo LGA, while returning from a security meeting in Ohimini LGA.
Residents said the attackers stormed Sai at about 1am and opened fire on villagers who were asleep, sending many fleeing.
A resident, who said he lost a family member, said several people were still missing.
According to him, “From the information at our disposal, the attackers came from neighbouring Taraba State armed with AK-47 rifles. They attacked our community at about 1am when everybody had gone to bed and started shooting people in their sleep.
“The attack caused panic as people struggled to escape. About 10 persons were killed while over 15 sustained serious injuries. Several others are still missing and nobody knows whether they are alive or dead. Search efforts are ongoing.”
He said most of the injured were taken to the NKST Hospital in Sai, while those with critical injuries would be moved to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.
“There is tension and anger in the community, although security personnel have now moved into the area,” he said.
Katsina-Ala LGA Chairman, Mr. Justine Shaku, confirmed the attack and said he had arrived in the community to assess the situation.
“I have just arrived Sai to ascertain the situation. There is tension in the community. I will provide more details after my assessment,” he said.
Attempts to get a response from the Benue State Police Command failed as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, calling it a senseless and cowardly assault on innocent citizens. He ordered security agencies to strengthen security in the area.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said he received the report with a heavy heart and alleged the attack was carried out by “terrorists masquerading as herdsmen.”
He said, “This attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence, particularly at a crucial time when our hardworking farmers have returned to their ancestral lands and are cultivating their farms.
“These enemies of progress have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of our state by targeting communities at a time when crops are developing and hopes for a bountiful harvest are high.”
Governor Alia also sympathised with the families of those killed and wished the injured a quick recovery.
“My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones as well as other victims currently receiving medical attention. I stand in solidarity with the entire Sai community during this period of immense grief,” he said.
The governor assured residents that his administration remained committed to protecting lives and property.
“We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive our people away from their ancestral lands or dampen their spirits. We are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve,” he added.
He also directed security agencies to send more personnel to Sai and nearby communities, begin an immediate manhunt for the attackers, strengthen protection for farmers during the farming season, and urged residents to stay calm, remain alert, report suspicious movements to security agencies, assuring them the government would continue working until lasting peace returns across the state.
