No fewer than 10 persons were reportedly killed on Wednesday after suspected armed herders attacked Saai community in Mbajir Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Residents told our correspondent that the attackers stormed the community in the early hours of Wednesday, shooting sporadically in a coordinated assault that left 10 people dead and several others with varying degrees of injuries.
A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said 10 bodies had so far been recovered after the attackers fled the community, while some residents were still missing.
The Executive Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Council, Mr Justine Shaku, confirmed the attack in a telephone conversation with our correspondent but said he had yet to verify the casualty figure.
He said, “I just arrived Saai community to ascertain and assess the incident. The tension is high and I will call you back later, thanks.”
Efforts to get the reaction of the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as she neither answered calls nor responded to text messages sent to her.
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, condemned the attack, describing it as an “ugly”, “cowardly” and “senseless” act of violence against innocent citizens.
The governor directed security agencies to immediately move into the area, track down the perpetrators and restore normalcy to the affected communities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, Alia lamented that enemies of progress had chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of the state by launching the attack at a time when farmers had cultivated their crops and were expecting a bumper harvest.
The governor expressed his condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and sympathised with those receiving medical treatment.
He said, “We pray for their swift and total recovery. I stand in solidarity with the entire Saai community during this period of immense grief.
“I urge the people of Katsina-Ala and Benue State in general not to be discouraged because this administration remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting your lives and your livelihoods.
“We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive you away from your lands or dampen your spirits. We are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve.”
