Fresh Attacks in Katsina-Ala and Logo LGAs Leave 30 Dead, Villages in Chaos
Gunmen launched fresh attacks on several villages in Katsina-Ala and Logo local government areas (LGAs) of Benue State, leaving at least 30 people dead and forcing countless residents to flee their homes. Eyewitness accounts reveal a harrowing picture of destruction, with entire communities thrown into turmoil.
Widespread Casualties and Displacement
Sources in the affected communities confirmed that 10 bodies were recovered from various villages in Katsina-Ala, while 20 deaths were recorded in Logo. Survivors recounted the scale of the violence, with many hiding in bushes to escape the attackers.
David, a resident of Katsina-Ala’s Mbatuyla council ward, described the horror:
“As we speak, I’m in the bush with other villagers. They have killed many people in my village, including three from my ward. People have deserted their homes and are heading to the city for safety.”
Similarly, Francis, another resident, said, “Massive killings are ongoing. Everyone is running for their lives. The fear is overwhelming.”
Villages Under Siege
The attacks occurred early Sunday and continued into the wee hours of Monday. Witnesses in Logo reported that over 300 armed men invaded Azege settlement and nearby areas of Tombo Council Ward. Chief Joseph Anawah, a community leader in Logo, stated that the attackers wielded sophisticated weapons and initially overwhelmed local security forces. It was only after the intervention of a military jet that the attackers retreated.
“Over 20 bodies have been found, but the search for missing persons is ongoing,” Anawah said.
In Ayilamo, another Logo community, 14 bodies were discovered on-site, with more found later in nearby bushes.
Officials Confirm Violence
Katsina-Ala Local Government Chairman, Justine Shaku, confirmed the attack on Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in Utange Council Ward, where six bodies were recovered. Shaku lamented that recent progress in curbing local militia violence had been undone by the latest invasions.
“We had managed to restore some peace, but these new attacks have brought chaos back to the region,” he said.
Similarly, Logo LGA Chairman Clement Kav reported that 17 people were killed and 37 injured in the assault. Kav alleged that the attackers sought to seize control of Tombo and thanked the state government for deploying additional security operatives to restore calm.
Police and Government Respond
The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, confirmed the incidents and said five bodies were recovered in Logo. “Police operatives are on ground, and investigations are ongoing,” Anene said. She declined to speculate on the perpetrators’ identity, stating that further details would emerge after the investigation.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Joseph Har, assured residents that homeland security operatives were fully mobilized to address the escalating insecurity.
Residents Plead for Help
A local cleric, who asked to remain anonymous, described the dire conditions: “Innocent people are being killed at will. Properties are being destroyed, and survivors are left with grievous injuries. Villagers are living in constant fear.”
As the search for missing persons continues, many displaced residents remain in hiding or have fled to nearby cities for refuge. The situation underscores the urgent need for more robust security measures and swift government intervention to restore peace in the affected areas.
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