Authorities in Benue State have confirmed the deaths of 17 people following coordinated militia attacks in the Sankera axis, covering Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas.
In a statement on Friday, Police spokesperson Sewuese Anene said a group of armed attackers stormed Gbagir in Ukum LGA, killing five civilians. While officers responded to that incident, a separate assault occurred in nearby Logo LGA, leaving 12 more dead.
“Following this order, a team of officers moved to the area and engaged them. While the attackers were being repelled in the early hours of today, they shot sporadically at unsuspecting farmers as they came across them,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, an unsuspected simultaneous attack was carried out in Logo, where twelve (12) persons were killed before the arrival of the police, making a total of seventeen persons.”
The police say tactical teams are still on the ground, tracking the attackers believed to be retreating toward forested areas bordering Taraba State. They urged the public to disregard exaggerated death tolls making the rounds online.
“The CP warns social media users who are reporting unconfirmed reports and inciting the general public to desist from such actions that are capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state,” the police warned. “He reiterates his commitment to fight the attackers and encourages the good people of Sankera to continue to cooperate with the police as the operation is ongoing.”
The violence comes on the heels of other deadly attacks in Otukpo LGA, where multiple communities, including Emichi and Odudaje, were targeted earlier this week. Governor Hyacinth Alia, after confirming the arrest of three suspects connected to the Otobi village killings, condemned the rising bloodshed.
While speaking in Makurdi after a Good Friday Mass, Governor Alia said, “We are working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser to craft a strategy that will put an end to these senseless killings.”
He called on residents to avoid retaliation and instead support security efforts by sharing intelligence.
