No fewer than 10 people are feared dead and several others injured following attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday.
The attacks reportedly affected parts of Mbazun Mbaterem, including Tse Yawe, Ikpuu, Ter Ukum Orkaa Kaave and Tse Kyaave communities, forcing hundreds of residents to flee to neighbouring communities.
However, the Benue State Police Command confirmed three deaths and four injuries.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the attack occurred at about 7 a.m. at Aboajo village in Mbateren Mbazum Council Ward of Ukum LGA.
“The Benue State Police Command confirms that an attack occurred today, August 16, 2026, at about 7am, at Aboajo Village, Mbateren Mbazum Council Ward, Ukum LGA.
“Three persons were killed in the attack, while four others sustained machete injuries and were rescued to a medical facility for treatment. The Command has deployed additional tactical and patrol teams to the area and is making concerted efforts to apprehend the perpetrators. Monitoring and security operations are ongoing,” the statement said.
However, residents of the affected communities claimed that the casualty figure could be significantly higher, with local sources putting the number of people killed at about 10.
A local farmer identified as Mbaane alleged that more than 300 armed herdsmen entered the area from the Wukari axis of neighbouring Taraba State.
According to him, the attackers arrived at about 6:30 a.m. and moved through several communities, shooting at residents.
“The people who carried out the attack were more than 300 and they were armed herdsmen who were alleged to have come from Wukari axis of Taraba state,” he said.
“They were shooting people and moving from one community to another. It was like a huge army of armed herdsmen who came just to kill without any provocation from their victims. We learnt that about 10 persons lost their lives and many others sustained injuries during the attack.”
He said security personnel eventually engaged the attackers and helped prevent further loss of lives.
“Luckily, the army and police personnel engaged them and made efforts to repel them. Though they came in large numbers, the effort of the army helped to save the lives of many,” he added.
The attacks reportedly affected several settlements in Mbazun Ward, with residents fleeing their homes over fears of further violence.
Reacting to the development, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended security agencies for their intervention and assured residents that his administration would continue supporting efforts to protect lives and property.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said suspected terrorists “masquerading as herdsmen” attacked residents in Mbaterem, Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio and Ukpen communities of Mbazun Ward.
Alia expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and sympathised with those injured.
He warned those he accused of attempting to frustrate the state’s peace efforts, declaring: “Benue lands for Benue people. Anyone who thinks attacking us will intimidate us to leave the land is making a mistake.”
He added: “I took an oath to protect our people, and I will not relent. I must appreciate the fact that the Federal Government is advancing a lot of support for us to tackle these acts of terrorism.”
The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
“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,” Alia said.
He directed security agencies to maintain a strong presence in strategic areas and pursue those responsible for the attacks.
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