At least 17 people lost their lives on Thursday following attacks by suspected armed herders in two local government areas of Benue State.
In a statement released on Friday, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police Catherine Anene, confirmed that a significant number of suspected armed herders stormed the Sankera region and carried out violent assaults on local communities.
According to the report, the attacks resulted in five fatalities in Ukum and twelve in Katsina-Ala—both within the Sankera area.
The statement read: “On April 17, 2025, around 9:00 p.m., the police received reports that a large group of suspected militia had entered the Sankera axis of Benue State, targeting communities around Gbagir in Ukum Local Government Area.
“In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Steve H. Yabanet, directed tactical units to join forces with officers already stationed in the area, along with other security agencies, to prevent the assault.
“Security operatives moved in swiftly and engaged the attackers. During the confrontation, the assailants opened fire indiscriminately on farmers they encountered. Five victims were found in the Gbagir area and taken to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
“Simultaneously, another attack was launched in Logo, where twelve people were killed before police could intervene. This brings the total number of casualties to seventeen.”
Anene added that security personnel are still pursuing the attackers, who are believed to be retreating into forested areas near the Taraba border.
She also cautioned social media users against spreading unverified information that could incite panic or escalate tensions within the state.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated his commitment to tackling the violence and urged residents of Sankera to continue supporting law enforcement efforts as the security operation continues.
