The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of 17 individuals following armed attacks by suspected herders on communities in Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas between April 17 and April 18.
In a statement issued on April 18, Police Public Relations Officer Catherine Anene reported that a large group of armed militia attacked the Sankera axis of Benue State on the evening of April 17, Caliber.Az reports, referring to foreign media.
The assault targeted communities in Gbagir, Ukum, and Katsina-Ala in Logo.
“At about 9:00 p.m. on April 17, we received reports that a large number of suspected militia had invaded the Sankera axis of Benue State with the intent to attack the Gbagir area in Ukum Local Government,” Anene stated.
She revealed that, in response, the Commissioner of Police, Steve H. Yabanet, immediately deployed tactical teams to reinforce the officers in the area and coordinate with other security agencies to repel the attackers.
“While the attackers were being repelled in the early hours of today, they shot sporadically at unsuspecting farmers as they crossed paths with them,” Anene explained.
The violence resulted in the deaths of five individuals in Gbagir, who were later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital. In a simultaneous attack in Logo, 12 more people were killed before the police arrived, bringing the total death toll to 17.
Anene further stated that security agencies are actively pursuing the assailants as they retreated into forests near the Taraba axis.
The police spokesperson also issued a caution about the spread of misinformation: “The Commissioner of Police has warned social media users to stop spreading unverified reports that could incite the public and escalate tensions in the state.”
She concluded by reaffirming the police command’s commitment to fighting insecurity and urged residents of the Sankera region to cooperate with law enforcement as operations continue.
This region, located in central Nigeria, has witnessed recurring clashes between farmers and herders over land disputes.
By Tamilla Hasanova
Source: caliber.az
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