No fewer than 10 people were reportedly killed and over 15 others injured after suspected armed herdsmen attacked Sai community in Mbajir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State in the early hours of Wednesday.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community at about 1 a.m., opening fire on villagers while they slept, causing panic as many fled.
They alleged the assailants came from neighbouring Taraba State armed with AK-47 rifles. Several residents were also reported missing as search efforts continued.
Most of the inj¥red were taken to NKST Hospital in Sai, while those with critical inj¥ries were to be referred to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.
The 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, who was ambushed while returning from a security meeting.
Katsina-Ala LGA Chairman, Justine Shaku, confirmed the attack and said he was in Sai to assess the situation.
The Benue State Police Command had yet to comment as its spokesperson could not be reached.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless and cowardly assault allegedly carried out by “terrorists masquerading as herdsmen.”
He said the attackers were trying to disrupt farming and food security, extended condolences to the victims’ families, ordered additional security deployment, a manhunt for the attackers, stronger protection for farmers, and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements.
