Scores of residents have been feared killed after suspected armed attackers stormed Sai Community in Mbajir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, in the early hours of Wednesday.
According to The PUNCH, residents said the assailants invaded the community at about 2 a.m., opening fire on homes and forcing people to flee into nearby bushes.
A resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said at least 10 bodies had been recovered by youths, while several injured victims were taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment.
“The attackers came into the community around 2 a.m., moving from house to house and shooting indiscriminately. Many people ran into the bush to save their lives,” the source said.
He added, “When we returned at daybreak, about 10 bodies had already been recovered, while many of the injured had been rushed to the hospital.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer for comments were unsuccessful.
Reacting to the attack, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings and directed security agencies to immediately reinforce security in Sai Community and neighbouring areas to prevent further attacks.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor described the incident as a brutal assault on innocent residents and called for a comprehensive operation to apprehend those responsible.
“Additional security personnel should be deployed to Sai and surrounding communities to prevent further incursions, while a manhunt must be launched to ensure those behind this heinous attack are brought to justice,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
Alia also urged security agencies to provide adequate protection for farmers, stressing the need to safeguard agricultural activities during the current farming season.
“This attack is cowardly and unacceptable, especially at a time when our farmers have returned to their ancestral lands and are working hard to produce food. Those responsible are enemies of peace and progress who seek to undermine the state’s security and food production,” he said.
The governor expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones and wished those receiving medical treatment a speedy recovery.
“We will not allow criminal elements to drive our people away from their communities or destroy their hope. Our administration remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring that peace returns to every part of Benue State,” he added.
Katsina-Ala Local Government Area has witnessed repeated violent attacks in recent years, with communities frequently targeted by armed groups, leading to loss of lives and displacement of residents.
