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At least seven people have been reported killed following an attack by suspected armed herders on Channel One community, a border settlement in Ukemberagya/Tswarev Council Ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred late Sunday night along the Arufu-Wukari road, near the Taraba State border, according to multiple sources. A resident who identified himself as Amos told journalists that the suspected herders invaded the community at about 11 pm on Sunday and shot sporadically, forcing residents to flee for safety.
The community leader, Joseph Anawah, corroborated the account and named six of the deceased as Akor Gwakyaa, Smooter Gwakyaa, Aondoungwa Michael, Vershima Michael, Terna Michael, and Msughter Terzungwe. Anawah added that several others sustained life-threatening injuries and were hospitalised in Anyiin town, while about seven critically injured persons were taken to Ugba town for medical treatment.
Anawah further alleged that the attackers, who came in large numbers armed with firearms and riding motorcycles, are believed to be those camped at Shaor, a deserted village earlier identified in intelligence reports as a Fulani marauders’ camp in Logo LGA. Residents of the affected and neighbouring communities have since fled to other villages for fear of further attacks.
The community leader appealed to both the state and federal governments to intensify border-coordinated clearance operations to dislodge the suspected marauders and secure the attack routes. Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Logo Local Government Area, Clement Kav, told journalists on Monday that seven people were killed and four others injured. Kav said he had briefed the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Udeani, and the Special Adviser on Homeland Security about the incident.
The Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, stated that she had yet to receive the report and promised to provide an update later.
The attack follows a pattern of escalating violence in the state, including last Thursday’s invasion of Olegabulu community in Agatu LGA, where gunmen killed a traditional ruler, his wife, his son, and two others.
