Scores of people were reportedly killed in an early morning attack on Sai Community in Mbajir Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to sources from the affected community, the assailants invaded the community at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday and killed several residents.
One of the residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity in a telephone interview with journalists, said several bodies had been recovered, while many injured victims had been taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment.
“Some armed herders invaded Sai Community around 2 a.m. They moved from house to house, shooting sporadically and forcing people to flee into the bush for safety.
“As we returned to the community at daybreak, youths had recovered 10 bodies of the victims, while several others had been taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment,” the source said.
The Benue State Police Command had yet to respond to the incident as of the time of filing this report. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone were not answered.
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack on Sai Community and urged security agencies to deploy additional personnel to the area.
“In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the Governor said he received the news “with a heavy heart.” He noted that the timing of the attack was particularly cruel, coming at a period when farmers had returned to their ancestral lands to cultivate.
“This attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence,” Governor Alia stated. He added that the perpetrators targeted a critical moment in the farming season when “crops are developing and the hope for a bountiful harvest is high.”
The Governor accused the attackers of being “enemies of progress” who are deliberately trying to disrupt peace and food security in the state by striking when agricultural activities are at their peak.
Governor Alia extended his deepest condolences to the families of those killed. He also prayed for the quick recovery of those receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the attack. “My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones as well as other victims currently receiving medical attention,” he said.
Addressing residents of Katsina-Ala and Benue State at large, the Governor urged them not to be discouraged. He assured them that his administration remains “unwavering in its commitment to protecting your lives and your livelihoods.”
“We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive you away from your lands or dampen your spirits,” he declared. “We are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve.”
To restore calm and prevent further attacks, the Governor has issued direct orders to security agencies. He directed the immediate deployment of additional personnel to Saai and surrounding communities to block further incursions by terrorists and armed herdsmen.
He also ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators of the crime to ensure they are arrested and prosecuted. In addition, security operatives were tasked to guarantee the safety of farmers as they tend to their crops, so that agricultural activities are not disrupted further.
Governor Alia called on citizens to remain calm but vigilant, and to report any suspicious movements to the nearest security post. “We will not rest until peace is fully restored to every corner of our dear state,” he vowed.
