Suspected Herdsmen Kill Several In Fresh Attack On Benue Communities

Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly killed several people in a fresh attack on communities in Mbaterem, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, with the assailants reportedly invading several communities on motorcycles and shooting sporadically.

The affected communities include Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Aboajio and Yina. Residents were said to have fled into the bushes for safety as the attackers moved through the area.

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A resident, Emmanuel Oryiman Mbatsavdue, said four people had been confirmed dead in Aboajio alone.

He added that residents were still searching for family members who remained missing after the attack, warning that the casualty figure could increase as the search continued.

The Executive Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Hon. Jonathan Modi, confirmed that an attack occurred but said the exact number of casualties had not yet been established.

Modi said security operatives were still in the bush assessing the situation and working to establish the extent of the attack.

The spokesman of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, also confirmed that an attack occurred in Ukum Local Government Area.

However, he said more details would be communicated once they became available.