At least 10 people have been killed and more than 15 others injured after suspected armed herders launched a midnight attack on Sai community in Mbajir Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the assault and ordered security agencies to track down the perpetrators.
No fewer than 10 persons were killed and over 15 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the early hours of Wednesday when suspected armed herders attacked Sai community in Mbajir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The attackers reportedly stormed the village while residents were asleep, triggering panic as many fled into nearby bushes for safety.
Residents said the assailants invaded the community at about 1:00 a.m., shooting indiscriminately at homes. Several people were killed during the attack, while many others suffered injuries.
Eyewitnesses also reported that a number of residents remain missing following the assault. Most of the injured were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment, while security personnel were later deployed to restore calm in the area.
The latest attack comes less than a week after the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku Muhammad, an incident that heightened tensions in parts of the state. However, security agencies have not established any official link between the two incidents.
Katsina-Ala Local Government Area has remained one of the flashpoints of recurring violent attacks in Benue State, with communities repeatedly calling for stronger security presence to protect lives and farmlands.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as a “senseless and cowardly” assault on innocent residents. He directed security agencies to reinforce security in the affected communities, launch a manhunt for the attackers and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Justine Shaku, also confirmed the incident, saying he had visited the community to assess the situation.
The renewed violence has heightened concerns over security in Benue State as residents continue to call for stronger protection of vulnerable communities. Authorities say security operations have been intensified while investigations into the attack continue.
