At least 80 people have been killed in coordinated early morning attacks Friday by suspected herdsmen in several communities across Sankera in Benue state, Nigeria.
The attacks, which occurred in Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas (LGAs), have left residents in shock and fear.
The herdsmen, reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles, invaded communities around 6am in Gbagir, Tyuluv, and Prof Daniel Saror village, Mbatyu, among others where they slaughtered and killed their victims.
It was gathered that the attackers, who also stormed Tse-Ankon, Mbayam Council Ward in Logo LGA in their numbers, killed 10 persons and razed several houses.
The herdsmen were also said to have attacked and killed people in Une Tongov in Katsina ala LGA.
In another incident, six travelers were killed when they encountered the attackers Thursday night on their way to Afia.
Residents have expressed outrage and frustration over the attacks, questioning why the security agencies failed to act despite prior warnings.
A resident who wished to remain anonymous said, “Security agencies were informed of the impending attack, but nothing happened. No security went there, and they remained until they finally launched their attack on the affected communities.
“They started entering the state on Sunday on Bajaj Motorcycles with AK 47. They camped in Chito, and when it was raining on Thursday, they pursued residents out of their houses and went in the sleep.
“They were moving openly with AK 47 riffles but no security was seen around the area despite alert issued to inform government and security that there may be an impending attack.”
Senator Emmanuel Udende who spoke through his media aide Jerry Uorngaem expressed worry over the attacks, calling for immediate action to prevent further bloodshed.
The commissioner for Information in Benue state who is also an indigene of Ukum lamented the attack, saying it was unprovoked.
He said the Benue state government has sent security to the affected areas to maintain peace and the report of the casualty in the attack will be communicated once it is received.
An alert which was trending on the social media had been issued few days ago to Nigerian security forces, including the military, police, and NSCDC, to take notice and act swiftly to prevent further attacks on Benue communities with specific mention of Ukum.
Following the attack, the affected Benue communities are in mourning, with many questioning the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
A resident, Hilary Tor, lamented, “How can an innocent person sit in their house without looking for trouble, and then a group of Fulani come and kill them? Where can we go? What is the reason for these killings?”
The situation remains tense, with many calling for urgent action to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace to the affected communities.
When contacted, the Police Spokesperson Benue state Police command CSP Catherine Sewuese Anene confirmed the attack and said men of the Police force have been drafted to the affected communities to quell the situation.
She said details of the casualty level will be made available once she gets the report from security sent to the area.