11 Killed, Homes Razed as Armed Herdsmen Attack Benue Community
At least 11 people were killed and several others injured following an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Mbagena community in Mchihe Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
Local sources revealed that the attackers stormed the community on Friday night, returning on Saturday around 7 p.m. in greater numbers. They opened fire on residents, set homes ablaze, and looted food barns, leaving widespread devastation.
“They shot anyone in sight, burned houses, and destroyed farm produce,” a resident recounted. By Sunday morning, 11 bodies had been recovered, while many injured victims were taken to hospitals in Katsina-Ala Town.
Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Mr. Justin Shaku, described the incident as an unprovoked assault. “The killings happened between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday. Eleven lives were lost, and seven injured victims are receiving treatment in undisclosed hospitals,” he confirmed. Shaku, alongside a House of Representatives member representing Sankera, visited the scene to coordinate burials and support affected families.
Chief Iorbee Ihagh, President General of Mzough U Tiv Worldwide, condemned the attack and called for increased security deployment to prevent further violence.
In response, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and denounced the brutality. “This cruelty is intolerable. Those responsible will face justice,” he declared through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.
Governor Alia assured residents that security forces had been dispatched to restore calm, urging vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities. “We will overcome this challenge and protect our communities,” he pledged.
As of press time, attempts to reach Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, for official comments were unsuccessful.
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