Violence Erupts In Benue: Herdsmen Attack Claims Six Lives And Destroys Properties

Violence Erupts In Benue: Herdsmen Attack Claims Six Lives And Destroys Properties A tragic attack in Benue State has claimed the lives of six individuals, with reports suggesting that armed herdsmen were responsible for the violence in Ayilamo community, located in the Logo Local Government Area.

In the aftermath of the assault, numerous residents remain unaccounted for, and many houses were set ablaze during the invasion. The attacks unfolded over the weekend along the Abinsi-Anyiin-Wukari federal highway, an area that borders Wukari in Taraba State, which has been plagued by ongoing communal conflicts.

Eyewitness Terwase Avande described a harrowing scene as armed herdsmen, accompanied by their cattle, launched an attack at dawn, firing indiscriminately and igniting buildings. “The herdsmen arrived with their cattle, heavily armed, shooting at homes while the livestock moved into the heart of Ayilamo,” Avande recounted.

The timely response of military personnel from Operation Whirl Stroke played a crucial role in preventing further devastation in Ayilamo, as they managed to repel the initial attackers. However, the herdsmen returned later, attacking the community and even targeting the local police station around 2 p.m. on Saturday, despite the presence of security forces.

Community leader Chief Paul Adetsav suggested that the assault may be linked to valuable mineral resources discovered in the area. “The discovery of minerals in Tombo land has led to illegal mining activities, which were halted by the Benue State government. Since then, the frequency and intensity of attacks have surged, and the invaders continue to threaten us with violence,” he explained.

Adetsav lamented the dire situation, stating, “We can no longer farm, as the few crops we planted have been destroyed by the herdsmen’s cattle trampling over them. Hunger is taking a toll on our families, and our children are going without food.”

He criticized the government’s inaction, saying, “Those responsible for ensuring our security are doing nothing to protect us. The well-armed invaders are encroaching on Ayilamo, a community with a population of over 400,000.”

The attack has been confirmed by the Logo Divisional Police office in Ugba. Clement Ukav, the Chairman of the Logo Local Government Council, also acknowledged the incident, assuring residents that he is taking measures to address the situation.