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No fewer than 10 persons are feared dead after suspected armed herdsmen launched coordinated attacks on several communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes.
The attacks reportedly targeted communities in Mbazun Mbaterem, including Tse Yawe, Ikpuu (Kpuu), Ter Ukum Orkaa Kaave and Tse Kyaave, leaving many others injured and displacing residents who sought refuge in neighbouring communities.
However, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the death of three persons and the injury of four others during the attack.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondona, the command said the incident occurred at about 7 a.m. in Aboajo Village, Mbateren Mbazum Council Ward of Ukum LGA.
According to the police, three persons were killed, while four victims who sustained machete injuries were rescued and taken to hospital for treatment.
The command said additional tactical and patrol teams had been deployed to the affected communities, adding that security operatives were intensifying efforts to arrest those behind the attack.
Despite the official figures, residents claimed the death toll was much higher, alleging that about 10 people lost their lives in what they described as a coordinated invasion.
A resident, Mbaane, alleged that more than 300 heavily armed men suspected to be herdsmen invaded the area from the Wukari axis of neighbouring Taraba State.
He said the attackers stormed the communities at about 6:30 a.m., shooting indiscriminately as they moved from one settlement to another.
According to him, security personnel, including soldiers and police officers, later engaged the attackers and succeeded in preventing further casualties.
"The attackers came in very large numbers and were shooting at innocent residents without provocation. We believe about 10 people were killed, while many others sustained injuries before security forces intervened," he said.
The attacks triggered panic across the affected communities, with many families abandoning their homes for fear of renewed violence.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended security agencies for their swift intervention and reassured residents of his administration's commitment to protecting lives and property.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor described the attackers as terrorists masquerading as herdsmen who invaded communities including Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio and Ukpen in Mbazun Ward.
Alia expressed sympathy to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He reaffirmed the state's resolve to resist attempts by criminal elements to displace residents from their ancestral lands.
"Benue belongs to Benue people. Anyone who thinks these attacks will intimidate us into abandoning our land is mistaken," the governor said.
He also acknowledged the support being provided by the Federal Government in tackling insecurity in the state.
Governor Alia urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence was essential in preventing future attacks.
He further directed security agencies to sustain operations in vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible for the attacks were tracked down and brought to justice.
