Suspected herdsmen kill several in fresh attack on Benue communities

Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly killed several people in a fresh attack on communities in Mbaterem, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, in the early hours of Sunday.

The attackers, reportedly riding motorcycles, invaded Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Aboajio and Yina communities at about 5 am, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee into the bushes for safety.

A resident, Emmanuel Oryiman Mbatsavdue, said four people had been confirmed dead in Aboajio alone, while residents continued searching for missing family members.

He added that the casualty figure could rise as the search continued.

The Executive Chairman of Ukum LGA, Hon. Jonathan Modi, confirmed that an attack occurred but said the exact number of casualties was yet to be established.

He said security operatives were still in the bush assessing the situation.

When contacted, the spokesman of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, confirmed that there was an attack in Ukum Local Government Area.

He said more details would be communicated as soon as they became available.