At least six people have been killed and several others are unaccounted for following attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. The attacks occurred on Friday evening in Tse-Nyaku, Biliji and other communities in Mbatian and Mbazum districts. Residents confirmed that the assailants launched attacks in some villages in Mbazum Mbaterem before moving to Mbatian communities.
A resident of Mbatian, Aondofa David, confirmed the attacks occurred on Friday, while a security source said several residents were still missing. The attacks have left the communities in a state of fear and uncertainty. The affected areas are yet to receive official visits from government officials, but a resident of Biliji, one of the affected communities, reported that nine people were believed to have been killed.
However, only six bodies had been recovered as of the time of reporting. The resident, who requested anonymity, stated that the death toll could be higher than the number of bodies recovered so far. The attacks have sparked concerns about the security situation in the area, with many calling for increased protection for the communities.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Jonathan Modi, were unsuccessful, as he did not answer telephone calls placed to him. However, one of his aides disclosed that the chairman was occupied with attending to victims of the attacks. The lack of official response has raised concerns about the government's handling of the situation.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, said the command had yet to receive an official report on the incident from security personnel in the affected area. He stated that he was yet to receive details of the attack and would get back to the public once more information was available.
The attacks have sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for increased security measures to protect the communities. The Benue State government has been urged to take immediate action to address the security situation in the area. The attacks are the latest in a series of violent incidents in the region, highlighting the need for a lasting solution to the security challenges.
The incident has also raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the affected communities, with many residents left to fend for themselves. The government and humanitarian organizations have been urged to provide assistance to the affected communities. The attacks have also sparked fears of further violence and displacement in the region.
Key points
- Six people killed in attacks on Ukum Local Government Area communities
- Several others are still missing after the attacks
- The attacks have sparked concerns about the security situation in the region
