Fresh attacks have reportedly rocked several communities in the Sankera axis of Benue State, leaving one person dead and others injured as residents express growing fears over renewed violence in parts of Ukum and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas.
A community leader, Mr. James Andoaver, said the attacks occurred over the past three days, alleging that armed assailants believed to be a combination of suspected herders and local bandits carried out coordinated assaults on several communities.
According to him, the affected areas include Tse-Abali (Abari) Shor in Mbakesa, Ugbaam Council Ward of Ukum LGA, and Tongov, along the Anyagba axis leading to Achough and Kaseve in Tiir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA.
Andoaver said one of the attacks took place around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, when gunmen allegedly invaded Tse-Abali Shor.
He claimed that Mr. Utsenda Aber was killed during the attack, while his wife suffered severe machete injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
He also disclosed that Tse-Erukaa in Mbagar, Uyam Council Ward of Ukum LGA, came under attack, although no casualties were recorded there.
According to the community leader, the latest violence followed earlier attacks on security personnel stationed at Alabar in Kundav Council Ward, as well as an assault on a farmer popularly known as “Yellow” while travelling to his farm.
He further alleged that another resident, Amokaha Koonoon, was attacked with machetes after armed men reportedly moved through nearby communities on Thursday evening.
“Reports from communities across Ukum and Katsina-Ala indicated a renewed wave of violent attacks. Residents are living in fear as armed groups continue to strike communities and major roads in the Sankera axis,” Andoaver said.
He warned that insecurity has worsened on several major roads in the area, urging residents to avoid unnecessary night travel and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.|
However, the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Justin Shaaku, gave a different account of one of the reported incidents.
According to him, the attack was a robbery incident and not a widespread security breach.
“It was a robbery incident. Some people were robbed while returning home after the close of the market. It was not a security threat. Nobody was killed; the victims only sustained injuries,” Shaaku said.
The council chairman added that security operations had significantly reduced criminal activities in Katsina-Ala and assured residents that efforts to eliminate criminal elements would continue.
Attempts to obtain comments from the Chairman of Ukum LGA and the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing the report.
