How gunmen invaded Benue community, killed 13 people

Thirteen people, including women and children, have been confirmed dead following a fresh attack by suspected herdsmen in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The armed assailants reportedly stormed multiple communities, including Utange council ward, Kpav, Dikpo, and Imande Gberihwa, late Saturday night.

Several residents remain missing, while many others have fled to neighboring communities for safety.

A local source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told DAILY POST that the violence began on Friday when armed herders invaded parts of Utange council ward, killing multiple people.

“The same attackers returned on Saturday night, extending their assault to Kpav, particularly Dikpo and Imande Gberihwa, where more people were killed,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, stated that 13 people lost their lives, while seven others sustained injuries.

“Several houses were burned, and food supplies were destroyed,” he added. “There was no provocation, but these killings have been ongoing for some time.”

In response, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, extended his condolences to the affected families and communities.

“This level of brutality is deeply troubling and will not be tolerated,” Alia said in a statement released on Sunday by his spokesperson, Tersoo Kula.