Fresh violence has rocked Benue State after suspected armed herders attacked Saai community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, killing at least 15 people and leaving several others, including women and children, with serious injuries.
The attack reportedly occurred between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday, sparking fears among residents that it could be a reprisal following the recent killing of the Benue State chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ardo Risku.
Confirming the incident, the Mbajir Development Association (MDA) said no fewer than 15 people lost their lives, while more than 10 others sustained varying degrees of injuries during the assault. In a statement signed by its President, Agee Sai, and General Secretary, Tindiga Aondover, the group described the attack as “heinous, barbaric and gruesome.”
The association alleged that the attackers were armed Fulani herders and called on the Federal Government, the Benue State Government and security agencies to deploy more personnel to the affected communities, arrest those responsible and prevent further attacks on farming settlements.
Governor Hyacinth Alia also condemned the killings, describing the attackers as “terrorists masquerading as herdsmen.” He said the assault came at a time when many farmers had returned to their ancestral lands to cultivate crops, warning that such attacks threaten both lives and food security.
“This attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence. These enemies of progress have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of our state by targeting the moment when crops are developing and the hope for a bountiful harvest is high,” the governor said.
Governor Alia directed security agencies to reinforce security in Saai and neighbouring communities, launch an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators and strengthen protection for farmers across the area.
Although many residents suspect the killings may have been in retaliation for the recent murder of MACBAN chairman Ardo Risku and his associate, Yakubu Isa, security agencies have not established any connection between the two incidents. Risku was killed on June 27 after attending a peace and security meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.
Following that earlier attack, police arrested 10 suspects, while rights groups and government officials demanded a full investigation. However, efforts to obtain an official response from the Benue State Police Command on the latest killings were unsuccessful, as Police Public Relations Officer Udeme Edet did not respond to calls before this report was filed.
The latest attack adds to the worsening security crisis in Benue State, where repeated assaults on rural communities have displaced thousands of residents, disrupted farming activities and heightened concerns over safety despite ongoing peace initiatives.
