BREAKING: Herdsmen wipe out family of seven in Benue

Suspected herdsmen unleashed terror on Tuesday afternoon, claiming the lives of no fewer than 10 individuals in a series of coordinated attacks across several communities in Azandeh, Mbasaa, Mbajiga, Ityulugh, Torov district within the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue North senatorial zone. However, local residents insist the toll could be as high as 30 or more.

Tragically, among the victims was a family of seven, identified by devastated community members as Michael Mtindiga Adzandeh, Iorfa Michael Mtindiga Adzandeh, Akighirga Adzandeh, Tyowuese Adzandeh, Tersee Swende Adzandeh, Terngu Tortiv Adzandeh, and Terkaa Shiati Adzandeh.

Eyewitness Tersoo Iorbee recounted the harrowing events, stating that they had received prior information about the impending attack by suspected herdsmen. Despite the warning, the assailants, masked and armed, descended upon the Adzandeh settlement, indiscriminately opening fire on unsuspecting residents. When the smoke cleared, the grim reality revealed itself—10 lives lost, including the entire Adzandeh family.

Survivor Msugh Aga, seeking refuge in another town, recounted the brutality of the attack, describing how the armed perpetrators not only shot their victims but also mutilated them with long knives before setting numerous houses ablaze.

The caretaker Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Honorable Victor Iorzaa, acknowledged the tragedy and vowed to take action. He confirmed deploying additional police personnel to the troubled area to forestall further bloodshed.

Ukum Local Government Area, bordering Wukari Local Government Area in Taraba State, has long been plagued by attacks attributed to suspected herdsmen. Despite the recurring violence, the Benue Police Command has yet to receive an official report on this latest atrocity.