At least six people have reportedly been killed, while several others remain missing following fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The affected communities include Tse-Nyaku, Biliji and other settlements in Mbatian and Mbazum. The attacks reportedly occurred on Friday evening.
A resident of Mbatian, Aondofa David, confirmed the incident, while a security source disclosed that several residents were unaccounted for after the attacks.
A resident of Biliji, who requested anonymity, said nine people were feared dead, although only six bodies had been recovered as of the time of filing this report.
“The attackers are suspected armed herdsmen. They first launched attacks in some villages in Mbazum Mbaterem before moving to Mbatian communities. Nine people were killed but for now six dead bodies were recovered,” the resident said.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Jonathan Modi, were unsuccessful, as he did not answer telephone calls.
However, one of his aides said the chairman was attending to victims of the incident.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, said he had yet to receive an official report on the attacks from security personnel in the affected area.
“I am yet to receive report of the attack you are talking about. When I get details I will get back to you,” he said.
The circumstances surrounding the attacks and the whereabouts of the missing residents were yet to be established as of the time of filing this report.
