At least 17 people have been killed in a fresh attack on several rural communities in two Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State.
It was gathered that the attacks were simultaneously carried out in Gbagir of Ukum LGA and other villages in Logo LGA between Thursday night and early hours of Friday.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, said security agencies within Sankera axis comprising Logo, Ukum and Kastina-Ala LGAs were still engaging the bandits as they retreat back to the forest around Taraba axis.
Anene said,
“On 17/4/2025 at about 2100hrs, information was received that a large number of suspected militia had invaded Sankera axis of Benue state with intention to attack communities around Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area.
“Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police command, CP. Steve H. Yabanet FCID, psc (+) ordered tactical teams to move to the area and join forces with police officers on ground and other security agencies to forestall the attack.d Taraba axis.
“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.
” Five (5) persons were recovered at Gbagir area and taken to the hospital where they were confirmed dead.
“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.
“However, Security agencies within Sankera axis are still engaging the bandits as they retreat back to the forest around Taraba axis.
“The CP warns social media users that are reporting unconfirmed reports and inciting the general public to desist from such actions that are capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state.
“He reiterates his commitment to fight the attackers and encourage the good people of Sankera to continue to cooperate with the police as the operation is ongoing.”
Residents also confirmed that the military was currently bombarding the bandits in Kastina-Ala, Ukum and Logo LGAs with helicopters seen hovering over the areas.
