A tragic wave of violence marred Good Friday commemorations in Benue State, as suspected armed herders launched deadly attacks across communities in the Sankera axis, killing no fewer than 11 people in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas.
The most devastating of the attacks occurred in the early hours of Friday, April 18, when worshippers in Gbagir, Ukum LGA, were ambushed on their way to church to mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Eyewitnesses say the gunmen stormed the area around 6 a.m., opening fire on unsuspecting worshippers, killing at least 10 people instantly and injuring over 25 others.
One local resident, Tersur Iornenge, according to LEADERSHIP, narrated that the attackers struck without warning.
“They shot sporadically at anyone in sight. We are now taking the corpses to the palace of our traditional ruler. We feel abandoned by the government,” he lamented.
The attackers reportedly extended their assault to the neighbouring community of Chito on Thursday, where two farmers were also killed. The rampage has left many others injured or missing, with survivors saying they now live in fear and uncertainty.
Benue State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mathew Abo, confirmed the attack, stating that five bodies were recovered from the scene while three injured victims are currently receiving treatment in Zaki Biam. He warned that an influx of armed herders into Ukum and surrounding areas with large herds of cattle has created heightened tensions.
Abo revealed that the attacks began on Thursday and spilled into Friday, affecting parts of Logo and Katsina-Ala LGAs.
“There is relative calm for now, but we are watching the situation closely,” he said.
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In a related incident, the Police Command in Benue confirmed that a total of 17 people were killed in coordinated militia attacks in Gbagir (Ukum LGA) and Logo LGA.
According to Police Public Relations Officer Sewuese Anene, security operatives were deployed following intelligence that a large militia force had invaded the Sankera axis.
“Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Steve H. Yabanet, ordered tactical teams to move to the area and engage the attackers. Five persons were killed in Gbagir and twelve more in Logo,” Anene stated.
She added that the simultaneous attack in Logo occurred before security personnel could respond, resulting in a higher casualty figure there. The attackers were reportedly retreating into the Taraba forest as security forces pursued them.
The police have warned against the spread of unverified information on social media, especially speculation that the death toll could be as high as 100.
“Such misinformation only serves to incite the public and create unnecessary panic,” the police cautioned.
Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, confirmed that while his council remains relatively calm, border communities are at risk due to the spread of violence from Ukum.
The Benue State Government and security agencies say operations are ongoing to restore peace in the affected areas, even as residents continue to grieve the loss of loved ones in what many have described as one of the bloodiest Good Fridays in recent history.