Man killed, wife macheted as fresh attacks rock Benue communities

Fresh attacks have rocked communities in Benue State’s Sankera axis, leaving one man dead and several others injured across Ukum and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas.

Community leader James Andoaver, who raised the alarm over the weekend, said residents identified the assailants as a combination of armed herders and local bandits. He alleged that the groups launched coordinated attacks on several settlements within three days.

The affected areas included Tse-Abali, also known as 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 the attackers invaded Tse-Abali Shor at about 2:30 a.m. on Thursday and allegedly killed Utsenda Aber.

Aber’s wife reportedly suffered severe machete wounds during the attack and is receiving treatment in hospital.

The community leader said Tse-Erukaa in Mbagar, Uyam Council Ward of Ukum LGA, was also attacked, but no casualty was recorded.

According to him, the latest violence followed other attacks in the area, including an assault on security personnel stationed at Alabar in Kundav Council Ward.

He also reported an attack on a farmer popularly known as “Yellow” along Ayati Road near the Atuluku-Ityoakoso axis while he was travelling to his farm.

Andoaver alleged that four armed men, comprising three suspected herders and one local accomplice, attacked the farmer.

He further claimed that Amokaha Koonoon was attacked with machetes after armed men moved through Tse-Anyier in Mbakorgba to Tse-Iam in Mbamena, Uyam Council Ward, on Thursday evening. Koonoon is also receiving medical treatment.

“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 said residents were increasingly worried about insecurity along major roads, particularly during evenings and on market days.

The routes listed included Zaki-Biam-Sankera-Chito Road, Kyad-Tse-Burya Road, Kyado-Atsaam-Azabiam Road, Kyado-Atogbenda/Lafinkada Road and Zaki-Biam-Bossua Road.

Andoaver also claimed that armed groups had become increasingly active in Kundav, Uyam, Ugbaam, Borikyo, Kendev, Aterayange and Mbayenge council wards.

He urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary journeys at night and report suspicious movements to security agencies.

The community leader said life had become unbearable for residents because of the activities of armed men and appealed for urgent intervention by security personnel.

However, Katsina-Ala LGA Chairman Justin Shaaku disputed reports of a security breach in his council, describing the incident there as a robbery.

“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.

He maintained that the authorities had significantly weakened the criminal groups operating in Katsina-Ala and would continue working to rid the area of insecurity.