By Vincent Egunyanga, Abuja
Several people are feared dead after gunmen attacked at least six communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State in the early hours of Sunday.
The attackers reportedly invaded the communities in Mbaterem Council Ward at about 4:30 a.m., shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee their homes for safety.
The affected communities include Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Ikpur, Aboajio and Yina.
A resident who spoke about the incident said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and opened fire on residents.
Several others were reportedly wounded in the attack, while residents escaped into nearby bushes as the gunmen moved through the communities.
The Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Jonathan Modi, who spoke to journalists at about 5 p.m. on Sunday, said security operatives had brought the situation under control.
Modi said he was at the affected communities coordinating the evacuation of victims, including the dead and injured.
“The security responded immediately to the attacks. Sadly, there were casualties, but we are at the scene moving those wounded to the hospital. We have recovered some bodies,” he said.
He added that additional security personnel had been deployed to areas considered vulnerable to further attacks.
“More security operatives have been deployed to areas where there are perceived threats,” Modi said.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the attack but said it was still gathering details on the number of casualties and circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Peter Aondongu, said, “I can confirm that there was an attack in Ukum LGA. More details will be communicated to you as soon as I have them.”
Reacting to the attack, Governor Hyacinth Alia commiserated with families of victims and commended security personnel for their response.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said the attackers invaded communities in Mbaterem Ward, killing and injuring residents.
Alia vowed that his administration would continue to support security agencies in protecting residents and communities across the state.
“Benue lands for Benue people. Anyone who thinks attacking us will intimidate us to leave the land is making a mistake,” the governor said.
He said his administration remained committed to protecting residents and appreciated the Federal Government’s support for the state’s security efforts.
“I took an oath to protect our people, and I will not relent,” Alia said.
The governor attributed the attack to armed herders and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
He also directed security agencies to sustain their presence in vulnerable communities and confront criminal groups responsible for attacks in the state.
The latest incident comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Benue, with authorities facing persistent attacks on rural communities and renewed displacement of residents.
