At least 10 people have been reportedly killed after suspected gunmen launched a deadly midnight attack on Saai community in Mbajir Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, escalating the wave of violence in the state.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community in the early hours of Wednesday, firing sporadically and forcing terrified villagers to flee for safety.
Although locals said at least 10 bodies had been recovered, officials have given varying casualty figures, with the exact death toll yet to be officially confirmed.
The latest attack comes just days after the assassination of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, who was ambushed and killed alongside his associate, Yakubu Isah, shortly after attending a police-facilitated peace meeting between herders and farming communities in Ohimini Local Government Area.
Muhammad’s eldest son, Muhammad Idris, said the assailants trailed the victims as they were returning home before opening fire on them.
Speaking on Wednesday’s attack, a resident of Saai, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the gunmen invaded the community shortly after midnight and unleashed terror on residents.
“We woke up to heavy gunfire. People ran in different directions to escape. Some were shot, while others were hacked to death with machetes beyond recognition,” the resident told Daily Trust.
Conflicting Casualty Figures
Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Justine Shaku, confirmed the attack but said six people were killed.
He noted that security assessments were still ongoing and promised to provide further details after visiting the affected community.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, however, said five people lost their lives in the attack.
Governor Alia Orders Manhunt
Reacting to the killings, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless and cowardly assault on innocent citizens.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor accused the attackers of attempting to undermine peace and agricultural activities in the state.
“These enemies of progress have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of our state by targeting the moment when crops are developing and the hope for a bountiful harvest is high,” the statement read.
Governor Alia directed security agencies to deploy additional personnel to Saai and neighbouring communities, launch a comprehensive manhunt for the perpetrators and strengthen security around farming communities.
Cleric, Two Others Kidnapped
In a separate incident, suspected gunmen abducted a cleric and two church members from the residence of the Universal Reformed Christian Church (NKST) in Andyar-Ishan, Guma Local Government Area.
The victims were identified as Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde and two members of his congregation.
The church confirmed the abduction in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Rev. T. A. Targba, describing the incident as unfortunate.
According to the statement, the victims were kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday when armed men invaded the pastor’s residence.
The church called on members and Christians across the country to pray for their safe and unconditional release.
It also appealed to security agencies, the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to intensify rescue efforts and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
Political Leaders Condemn Violence
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), condemned the renewed violence, describing the killings as unacceptable.
In a statement issued through his media aide, James Ian, the former Attorney General of the Federation also denounced the killing of MACBAN Chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, urging security agencies to identify and prosecute those behind the attack.
He further called on the Benue State Government to adopt stronger security measures against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements operating in the state.
Similarly, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, condemned the killing of Muhammad and his associate, Yakubu Isah, who were attacked while returning from a peace meeting.
He urged security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The latest killings and abductions have heightened fears among residents, adding to growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Benue State despite ongoing peace efforts.
