Fresh attacks have been reported in parts of Benue State’s Sankera axis, with one person killed and several others injured during renewed violence that has caused panic among residents of Ukum and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas.
The incidents, which occurred over the past few days, affected communities including Tse-Abali Shor in Mbakesa, Ugbaam Council Ward of Ukum LGA, and areas around Tongov, Anyagba, Achough and Kaseve in Tiir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA.
A community leader, James Andoaver, raised the alarm over the attacks, saying residents reported that armed men suspected to be a combination of armed herders and local bandits carried out coordinated attacks on several settlements.
He said attackers invaded Tse-Abali Shor around 2:30am on Thursday, killing Utsenda Aber, while his wife suffered severe machete injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Andoaver added that Tse-Erukaa in Mbagar, Uyam Council Ward of Ukum LGA, was also attacked, although no death was recorded in that incident.
He said the latest attacks came after a series of other violent incidents in the area, including an attack on security personnel stationed at Alabar in Kundav Council Ward and the assault of a farmer popularly known as “Yellow” along Ayati Road near the Atuluku-Ityoakoso axis.
According to him, the farmer was attacked by four armed men while heading to his farm, alleging that three of the attackers were suspected herders while one was a local accomplice.
He also claimed that another resident, Amokaha Koonoon, was attacked with machetes after armed men moved through Tse-Anyier in Mbakorgba to Tse-Iam in Mbamena, Uyam Council Ward.
The victim was said to be receiving medical attention.
Andoaver said residents across Ukum and Katsina-Ala were becoming increasingly concerned over the rising attacks, especially along major roads and during evenings and market days.
He listed some of the affected routes as Zaki-Biam-Sankera-Chito Road, Kyad-Tse-Burya Road, Kyado-Atsaam-Azabiam Road, Kyado-Atogbenda/Lafinkada Road and Zaki-Biam-Bossua Road.
He urged residents to remain alert, avoid unnecessary night movements and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Reacting to the reports, the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Justin Shaaku, said the incident was not a major security breach but a robbery case.
Shaaku said people were attacked while returning home after market activities and that no person was killed, although some victims sustained injuries.
He said efforts were ongoing to reduce criminal activities in the local government area.
Attempts to get comments from the Chairman of Ukum LGA, Jonathan Modi, and the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful.
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