17 dead as police foil militia attacks in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that security forces repelled an attempted attack by suspected militia groups in the Sankera axis of Benue State on the night of April 17, 2025.

The assault targeted communities around the Gbagir area in Ukum Local Government Area.

In an official statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Anene Sewuese Catherine, the command received intelligence at approximately 9:00 PM on Wednesday regarding the movement of a large number of armed assailants into the region.

“In response to the intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, CP Steve H. Yabanet, immediately deployed tactical teams to join police officers already on ground,” CSP Catherine said. “They worked in collaboration with other security agencies to avert the planned attack.”

The police teams engaged the assailants in the early hours of Thursday. However, during the confrontation, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, killing five unsuspecting farmers in the Gbagir area. The victims were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.

In a related incident, an attack occurred in Logo Local Government Area, where twelve individuals lost their lives before police could intervene. This brings the total number of confirmed fatalities to seventeen.

“Security forces are still in pursuit of the attackers, who are believed to be retreating into the forested areas near the Taraba border,” CSP Catherine added.

Commissioner Yabanet also addressed the spread of misinformation regarding the attacks. “We are urging members of the public, especially social media users, to desist from circulating unverified and inflammatory information that may create unnecessary tension,” he stated. “The command remains fully committed to restoring peace and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

The police further encouraged residents of the Sankera region to remain calm and continue cooperating with law enforcement officers as the operation progresses.